Recognizing and Responding to a Hypertensive Crisis
During a hypertensive crisis, it is essential to check blood pressure promptly and call emergency services. This guidance comes from Denis Sokolov, a Candidate of Medical Sciences, in an interview with RIAMO cardiologist at JSC Medicina, affiliated with the Roitberg clinic. The medical team also noted medications that may be taken while awaiting help.
Experts emphasize that at the first signs of a hypertensive crisis, the priority is to measure the blood pressure and seek urgent medical assistance. In such cases, taking 25 mg of captopril or 10 mg of nifedipine may be considered, but only if advised by a medical professional. It is important to avoid drugs such as dibazol and papazol, which have shown limited effectiveness in this scenario.
Additionally, specialists warn against exceeding the recommended doses. A sudden and excessive drop in blood pressure can lead to serious complications, so dosing must be carefully controlled and guided by a healthcare provider.
Regular blood pressure monitoring is advised, even for individuals who feel well. A reading around 140 over 90 mm Hg may indicate impaired cardiovascular function and warrants medical evaluation to prevent potential complications.
Former neurologist Sergey Skripchenko has also discussed how to distinguish a hypertensive crisis from anxiety or a panic attack, underscoring the importance of accurate assessment and timely management.