🩺 How to Control High Blood Pressure in an Emergency (UK Guide)

High blood pressure (hypertension) can escalate quickly, sometimes leading to a hypertensive crisis—a medical emergency that needs immediate attention. If you or someone near you is experiencing a sudden spike in blood pressure, it’s important to act fast and wisely.

This guide covers practical, safe steps UK residents can take before emergency services arrive.

⚠️ First: Know the Signs of a Hypertensive Emergency

Call 999 immediately if blood pressure is above 180/120 mmHg and one or more of the following is present:

Chest pain
Severe headache or confusion
Difficulty breathing
Blurred vision
Numbness or weakness (especially on one side)
Seizures

These symptoms could indicate a stroke, heart attack, or organ damage.

🚨 Emergency BP Control: What to Do Before Help Arrives

1. Sit Calmly and Upright

Avoid lying down. Sit in a comfortable, upright position. Rest your arms on a table or lap to reduce strain.

2. Take Slow, Deep Breaths

Encourage slow, controlled breathing:

Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds
Hold for 2 seconds
Exhale through the mouth for 6 seconds
This can activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system and help reduce BP slightly.

3. Avoid Stimuli

Turn off the TV, radio, or phone notifications. Dim the lights. Reducing mental and sensory stimulation helps lower adrenaline.

4. Take Prescribed Medication (If Advised)

If the person has been prescribed fast-acting antihypertensive medication (like nifedipine, captopril, or clonidine) and their GP has instructed when/how to use it, follow that guidance. Do not take unprescribed medication or adjust doses without advice.

💊 Note: In the UK, you can get emergency repeat prescriptions through NHS 111 or participating pharmacies if clinically safe.

5. Loosen Tight Clothing

Remove or loosen belts, ties, or restrictive clothing to allow for easier circulation and breathing.

🚫 What Not to Do

❌ Don’t self-medicate with over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or decongestants—they can raise BP.
❌ Don’t eat salty snacks or caffeine.
❌ Don’t panic. Anxiety will worsen BP.

📞 When to Call 999 or NHS 111

Call 999 if symptoms suggest a stroke, heart attack, or hypertensive crisis.
Call NHS 111 (free from any UK phone) for urgent but non-life-threatening advice, or to speak to a clinician if you’re unsure what to do.

🛡️ Long-Term Prevention Tips

For ongoing BP management, especially if you’re in a high-risk group:

Reduce salt to under 6g/day (just over a teaspoon)
Eat more potassium-rich foods (bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes)
Limit alcohol to NHS-recommended levels (14 units/week)
Exercise at least 150 minutes a week
Quit smoking—available via NHS Smokefree
Monitor BP at home (home BP monitors are widely available at Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy, or online)

✅ To conclude

While these emergency steps can help manage a dangerous BP spike, they are not a substitute for medical care. If in doubt, always call 999. In the UK, swift action can save lives, and the NHS provides free emergency support.