Quick answer
A reading of 180/120 or higher is a hypertensive crisis. With symptoms, it's an emergency: call 911. Without symptoms, rest, measure again, and contact your doctor right away.180/120 or higher with symptomsCall 911
Chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, vision changes, trouble speaking, confusion or a severe headache. Don't drive yourself.
180/120 or higher without symptomsCall your doctor
Sit quietly for 5 minutes and measure again. If it's still this high, contact your doctor right away. If you can't reach them, urgent care can recheck it.
Stroke signs: BE FAST
Balance loss, Eyes (vision loss), Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech trouble: Time to call 911. Note when symptoms started.
Heart attack signs
Chest pressure or pain; pain in the arm, back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath; cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness. Women more often have shortness of breath, nausea, and back or jaw pain.
ER, not urgent care, for symptoms
Urgent care isn't equipped for a possible stroke or heart attack. Call 911 so treatment can start in the ambulance.
No quick fixes
Don't take extra doses of blood pressure medicine unless your doctor told you to, and don't rely on home remedies to bring a dangerous reading down.
Pregnant or recently gave birth?
160/110 or higher is urgent: call your provider or go to the hospital now.
Questions people also ask
Sources
- American Heart Association (Hypertensive crisis; Warning signs of a heart attack)
- American Stroke Association (BE FAST)
- ACOG (severe-range blood pressure in pregnancy).
General information, not medical advice.