Blood pressure readings include two numbers: systolic and diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure, the top number, indicates the force of blood against artery walls when the heart beats and pushes blood out. The diastolic pressure, the bottom number, represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats, refilling with blood. A reading of 175/125 is very high and signals a serious health concern.
Understanding a Hypertensive Crisis
The systolic number (175 mmHg) reflects the maximum pressure exerted on your artery walls as your heart contracts and pumps blood throughout the body. The diastolic number (125 mmHg) represents the minimum pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest, between beats.
A blood pressure reading of 175/125 mmHg is categorized as a “hypertensive crisis.” This classification applies when blood pressure reaches 180/120 mmHg or higher. Such a severe increase in blood pressure poses immediate dangers, as it can cause sudden and significant damage to various organs.
The elevated pressure can quickly affect the brain, leading to a stroke, or damage the heart, increasing the risk of a heart attack or acute heart failure. Other immediate risks include fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema), and damage to the kidneys or eyes. The high pressure can also cause a tear in the aorta, the body’s largest artery, a condition called aortic dissection, which is life-threatening.
Immediate Steps and Medical Care
If you record a blood pressure reading of 175/125 mmHg, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency services, or proceed directly to the nearest emergency room.
Upon arrival, medical professionals will conduct an initial assessment, which includes rechecking your blood pressure and evaluating for any symptoms of organ damage, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, blurred vision, or confusion. They will perform diagnostic tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart function and blood tests to check kidney function and electrolyte levels. Imaging studies, such as a CT scan, may also be ordered to check for damage to organs like the brain or kidneys.
Immediate interventions will focus on safely lowering your blood pressure using intravenous medications. The goal is to reduce the pressure gradually over minutes to hours, preventing further organ damage. The specific medications and their dosage will depend on your overall condition and the presence of any symptoms or signs of organ damage. Continuous monitoring of your blood pressure and overall health status will be maintained throughout this initial stabilization period.
Underlying Causes and Contributing Factors
A blood pressure reading of 175/125 mmHg can stem from various underlying issues. Sometimes, no clear cause is identified, a condition known as primary or essential hypertension. This type of high blood pressure often develops gradually over many years.
Secondary hypertension is caused by an identifiable underlying medical condition. Examples include kidney disease, where impaired kidney function can disrupt blood pressure regulation. Thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, or problems with the adrenal glands, like pheochromocytoma, can also lead to dangerously high blood pressure by releasing hormones that constrict blood vessels.
Certain medications, including some decongestants, birth control pills, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can also elevate blood pressure. Lifestyle factors contribute to the development of hypertension. These include an unhealthy diet high in sodium and saturated fats, insufficient physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic stress and smoking further increase the risk of developing and exacerbating high blood pressure.
Long-Term Management and Preventing Complications
After the immediate crisis of a 175/125 mmHg reading is addressed, long-term management becomes necessary to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and prevent future complications. This involves a combination of pharmacological treatments and sustained lifestyle modifications. Healthcare providers will prescribe medications tailored to your individual needs, which may include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers, to help keep blood pressure within a safe range.
Alongside medication, consistent lifestyle changes are important. Adopting dietary principles such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting sodium, can impact blood pressure. Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, and maintaining a healthy weight are also beneficial. Stress reduction techniques, like meditation or yoga, and limiting alcohol intake are additional components of a comprehensive management plan.
Ongoing blood pressure monitoring, both at home and through regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers, is important to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment plan. Diligent long-term management helps prevent severe complications that can arise from uncontrolled high blood pressure, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss. Consistent adherence to medical advice and lifestyle adjustments helps reduce the risk of these serious health issues.