Regular home blood pressure monitoring is an excellent health practice, but it also means you may encounter readings that concern you. Knowing when elevated blood pressure requires medical attention, when to schedule a routine appointment, and when to seek emergency care can help you respond appropriately and protect your health. This guide outlines the warning signs and situations that warrant different levels of medical involvement.
Emergency Situations: Seek Immediate Help
Certain blood pressure readings and symptom combinations require immediate emergency medical attention. If you experience any of the following, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department:
Hypertensive crisis readings: Blood pressure at or above 180/120 mmHg is considered a hypertensive crisis. If you see this reading, wait five minutes and test again. If it remains severely elevated, seek emergency care immediately, even if you feel fine. This level of blood pressure can cause rapid organ damage.
Severe symptoms with high readings: Any blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg accompanied by severe symptoms requires urgent evaluation:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Severe headache unlike any you've had before
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Vision changes such as blurred vision or seeing spots
- Numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Severe anxiety or a sense of impending doom
- Confusion or altered consciousness
These symptoms may indicate organ damage related to severely elevated blood pressure, or they could be signs of a heart attack or stroke. Don't wait to see if they improve; seek emergency care immediately.
Urgent Appointments: See Your Doctor Soon
Some situations require medical attention within days rather than immediately. Contact your GP or schedule an urgent appointment if:
Consistently elevated readings: If your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90 mmHg across multiple readings over several days, schedule an appointment with your GP. This applies whether you've been previously diagnosed with hypertension or not. Consistent readings at this level indicate your blood pressure needs attention.
Significant changes from your baseline: If your readings are substantially higher than your normal range, even if still below 140/90 mmHg, discuss this with your doctor. A jump from your usual 115/75 to 135/85, for example, may warrant investigation even though both readings are technically in the normal range.
Medication side effects: If you're taking blood pressure medication and experiencing bothersome side effects such as persistent dizziness, fatigue, cough, or swelling, contact your doctor. These symptoms may indicate a need to adjust your medication or try a different one.
Readings lower than expected: Very low blood pressure (hypotension), generally below 90/60 mmHg, can also be concerning, especially if accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or fatigue. If your readings are unusually low, particularly if you're on blood pressure medication, consult your doctor.
Routine Monitoring: When to Discuss at Your Next Visit
Some blood pressure observations warrant discussion at your next scheduled appointment rather than prompting a special visit:
Readings in the high-normal range: Blood pressure between 130-139/85-89 mmHg falls in the "high normal" category. While not requiring urgent action, these readings indicate your blood pressure is creeping upward and should be discussed with your GP. They may recommend lifestyle modifications or more frequent monitoring.
Questions about your readings: If you're unsure how to interpret your home readings, what your target should be, or how to improve your monitoring technique, bring these questions to your next appointment. Your doctor can provide personalised guidance based on your health profile.
Patterns or trends: If you notice patterns in your readings, such as consistently higher morning measurements or readings that spike on certain days, share this information with your doctor. These patterns can provide valuable insight into your cardiovascular health and may influence treatment decisions.
After Starting Treatment
If you've recently been prescribed blood pressure medication or made significant lifestyle changes, more frequent check-ins may be appropriate:
Initial adjustment period: When starting blood pressure medication, your doctor will typically want to see you within a few weeks to assess effectiveness and side effects. Continue home monitoring during this period and bring your readings to this follow-up appointment.
Target achievement: Once your blood pressure reaches target levels and stabilises, follow-up frequency may decrease to every few months initially, then potentially annually for well-controlled hypertension. Your doctor will advise on the appropriate monitoring schedule for your situation.
Medication changes: Any change in blood pressure medication warrants closer monitoring. Your doctor may want to check in more frequently until your readings stabilise on the new regimen.
Ensuring Accurate Information for Your Doctor
The value of home blood pressure monitoring depends on accurate readings taken with proper technique. To provide useful information for medical consultations:
Use a clinically validated blood pressure monitor. Our comparison tool helps you find devices that meet accuracy standards. Have your monitor verified against your doctor's equipment periodically to ensure it remains accurate.
Follow proper measurement technique consistently. Sit quietly for five minutes before measuring, position your arm at heart level, and take multiple readings. Our guide on taking accurate blood pressure readings provides detailed instructions.
Keep a record of your readings with dates and times. Many smart monitors automatically log this information, but even a simple written log is valuable. Note any unusual circumstances that might have affected readings, such as stress, illness, or deviation from your usual routine.
What to Expect at a Blood Pressure Appointment
When you visit your GP about blood pressure concerns, they will typically:
- Review your home readings and medical history
- Take clinical blood pressure measurements
- Assess other cardiovascular risk factors
- Order blood tests if needed to check kidney function and other markers
- Discuss lifestyle modifications appropriate for your situation
- Consider medication if warranted by your readings and overall risk
Come prepared with questions and your blood pressure log. Active participation in your care leads to better outcomes.
Proactive Monitoring Supports Better Care
Regular home blood pressure monitoring, combined with appropriate medical care, is the foundation of good cardiovascular health management. By knowing when to seek help and maintaining accurate records, you partner effectively with your healthcare team to protect your heart health.
If you haven't yet started home monitoring, explore our personalised recommendation quiz to find the right blood pressure monitor for your needs. Consistent, accurate monitoring provides the information you need to make informed decisions about when to seek medical advice.