Hypertension is one of the common health problems in adults, especially the elderly. In many cases, blood pressure can increase suddenly, causing acute hypertensive crises. If not treated promptly, this condition can lead to serious complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and even death. Therefore, knowing how to handle hypertensive crises quickly, safely, and effectively is extremely necessary, not only for the patient but also for relatives and caregivers.
What measures help lower blood pressure quickly?
1. Recognize a hypertensive crisis
First, to intervene properly, it is necessary to recognize the signs that the patient is having a hypertensive crisis:
- Severe headache, especially in the back of the neck
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, tinnitus
- Flushed face, hot flashes
- Rapid heartbeat, palpitations
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting
- Numbness in the limbs, sudden weakness
- Shortness of breath or feeling suffocated
- Anxiety, restlessness
When the above signs appear, blood pressure should be measured immediately. If blood pressure rises above 180/110 mmHg, it is considered a severe hypertensive crisis and requires emergency treatment.
2. Calm down and rest immediately
The first and most important thing is to stay calm. Panic or fear can cause blood pressure to increase further. The patient should be taken to a quiet, cool place, where they can lie down or sit with a high pillow to make breathing easier.
The patient should not continue to walk, work or talk too much, because physical or mental activity can cause the heart to beat faster and blood pressure to continue to rise.
3. Breathe deeply and slowly
A very effective method for emergency blood pressure reduction is deep and slow breathing. Breathing properly helps reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
Instructions for the patient to do:
- Sit or lie still, relax the whole body
- Inhale deeply through the nose for 4 seconds
- Hold the breath for 2 seconds
- Exhale slowly through the mouth for 6 seconds
- Repeat for 5–10 minutes
Deep breathing has the effect of calming the mind, slowing the heart rate and stabilizing blood pressure naturally.
4. Take blood pressure medication as prescribed
For people with a history of high blood pressure, it is always necessary to prepare blood pressure medication according to the doctor’s prescription. When blood pressure suddenly increases, the patient needs to take the correct dose as instructed.
Some commonly used drugs in hypertension emergencies:
- Captopril: oral medication placed under the tongue, fast-acting within 15–30 minutes
- Nifedipine: soft capsule form, used as prescribed
- Amlodipine or calcium channel blockers
Important: Do not arbitrarily take a higher dose than prescribed or combine multiple drugs without instructions from a doctor, as this can cause excessive hypotension, leading to shock.
5. Cold compress or soak hands and feet in warm water
A popular folk remedy that brings quick results is:
- Cold compress on the nape, neck or forehead: helps constrict cerebral blood vessels, reduce blood flow and lower blood pressure.
- Soak hands and feet in warm water: about 40°C for 10–15 minutes to help dilate peripheral blood vessels, reduce pressure in the blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
Note that you should not take a cold shower suddenly or apply ice directly for a long time, to avoid thermal shock.
6. Drink warm water or garlic water
Drinking a small glass of warm water (about 200ml) helps thin the blood, improve circulation and can help reduce blood pressure temporarily.
If fresh garlic is available, the patient can chew a small clove of garlic or mix warm garlic water to drink. Garlic has the effect of dilating blood vessels and gently lowering blood pressure thanks to the active ingredient allicin.
However, this method is only used to support, not to replace medicine.
7. Avoid salty foods and caffeine during a hypertensive crisis
When having a hypertensive crisis, absolutely do not let the patient eat salty foods, processed foods or drink strong coffee or tea. These substances can increase blood pressure and make the hypertensive crisis more serious.
8. Call an ambulance if it does not decrease after 30 minutes
If after 30–60 minutes the blood pressure is still above 180/110 mmHg after applying the above measures, or dangerous signs appear such as:
- Severe chest pain
- Increasing difficulty breathing
- Slurred speech, crooked mouth, hemiplegia
- Confusion, loss of consciousness
Then call an ambulance immediately or take the patient to the nearest medical facility. A hypertensive crisis can be a sign of a stroke or myocardial infarction, requiring intensive treatment.
A hypertensive crisis can occur suddenly and is very dangerous if not handled properly. However, patients and their relatives can completely take control of this situation by: Stay calm and rest, breathe deeply and slowly, take the correct dose of medication as directed by your doctor, apply supportive measures such as cold compresses, soaking hands and feet in warm water, closely monitor blood pressure, call emergency services when necessary
Being proactive in learning first aid knowledge and being prepared with medicines and medical equipment at home is the “golden key” to protecting the health of the elderly in urgent situations. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle every day will be a long-term and sustainable way to prevent future recurrences of high blood pressure.
