Hypertension is one of the most common and dangerous diseases in the elderly. In many cases, the patient may have a sudden hypertensive crisis, an emergency condition that, if not treated promptly, can lead to stroke, myocardial infarction, and even death. Recognizing the signs and having a quick treatment method at home is extremely important to protect the patient’s life.
How to recognize a hypertensive crisis early?
Before applying ways to lower blood pressure, it is necessary to accurately recognize the signs of a hypertensive crisis:
- Severe headache, especially in the back of the neck
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision
- Rapid heartbeat, feeling of anxiety
- Red face, hot flashes
- Numbness in the limbs
- Shortness of breath, nausea
- Feeling anxious, restless
When detecting these symptoms, the first thing to do is to measure your blood pressure immediately. If the blood pressure index increases above 160/100 mmHg, emergency measures to lower blood pressure are needed.
The fastest and most effective way to lower blood pressure at home when a hypertensive crisis occurs
When the elderly have a hypertensive crisis, quick and correct treatment at home is extremely important to avoid dangerous complications.
Including the following measures:
1. Stop all activities and sit down and rest immediately
When blood pressure increases, the patient should not continue to walk or work. Physical activity or mental stress can make the condition worse.
- The patient should sit or lie down with a pillow in a quiet, cool place
- Remove tight clothing to make the body comfortable
- Absolutely do not let the patient move a lot, climb stairs or argue, because it can put pressure on the heart
2. Breathe deeply and slowly
One of the simple, effective and quick ways to help stabilize blood pressure is to breathe deeply and slowly.
How to do it:
- Sit still, close your eyes, relax your body
- Inhale deeply through your nose for 4–5 seconds
- Hold your breath for 2 seconds
- Exhale gently through your mouth for 5–7 seconds
- Repeat for 5–10 minutes
Deep breathing helps regulate your heart rate, reduces the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, thereby helping to reduce blood pressure.
3. Take the right dose of blood pressure medication
For people with a history of high blood pressure, it is necessary to prepare medication according to the doctor’s prescription.
Some fast-acting medications commonly used at home:
- Captopril: sublingual (25mg), effective after 15–30 minutes
- Nifedipine: soft capsule, suck or swallow as prescribed
- Amlodipine or calcium channel blocker antihypertensive drugs
Important notes:
- Do not increase the dose arbitrarily
- Do not use other people’s medications
- If you have never used antihypertensive drugs, do not use them without a doctor’s instructions
4. Apply cool compresses or soak your hands and feet in warm water
This is an effective, easy-to-do support method at home:
- Apply a cool towel to the nape of the neck, forehead, and wrists: helps cool the body, dilates blood vessels
- Soak your hands and feet in warm water at 40°C: helps blood circulation, reduces blood pressure on the vessel walls
Do not apply water that is too cold or use ice directly because it can cause thermal shock.
5. Drink a glass of warm water
Warm water helps thin the blood and supports circulation, which can help reduce blood pressure slightly.
However, do not drink too much at once, especially if the patient has heart or kidney problems, as it can increase the burden on the circulatory system.
6. Chew a clove of raw garlic or drink diluted garlic juice
Garlic contains allicin, an active ingredient that naturally dilates blood vessels, helping to reduce blood pressure.
- You can chew 1–2 cloves of raw garlic
- Or crush the garlic, mix it with warm water and drink it slowly
However, this method is only supportive, not a substitute for medicine, and caution should be exercised if the patient has stomach problems.
7. Avoid coffee, strong tea, salty foods
When having high blood pressure, patients should not use stimulants such as:
- Coffee, strong tea
- Salty foods, high in sodium (instant noodles, fish sauce, pickles, …)
- Spicy, greasy foods
These can increase heart rate, constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure.
8. Monitor blood pressure every 15 minutes
After applying measures to lower blood pressure, it is necessary to:
- Measure blood pressure again after 15 minutes
- Monitor heart rate, breathing rate
- Record blood pressure readings to notify the doctor if necessary
If after 30-60 minutes of applying measures, blood pressure still does not decrease, or there are signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in limbs, confusion, call an ambulance immediately.
