Should I go to the ER Blood pressure's HIGH

[RadioMan]

Hey guy's,

I'm not a nurse as I'm sure you can tell but I could use some advise. My BP is 183/110 Pulse 97. I have had Hypertension for awhile now... I haven't taken any med's in over 4 years. But about 2 months ago I started getting bad headache.. Getting back to the point.. the last few day's I've been feeling like crap.. So while I was at the Drugstore I took my BP.. 1st time 183/112 then a 179/110 then a 178/110 . DO I need to go to the ER or can I go see a Doc Tomorrow?

RadioMan

[MikeyJ, RN]

We cannot offer medical advice here, but if you are concerned then you should consult with a physician or go to an ER.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Dude. Go to the ER. Worst thing that happens is you wait for a long time to see someone. Best thing that happens is that nothing bad happens from the elevated BP, headaches, and other bad things you're feeling now.

[Farmer Jane]

Yup. ER.

[kmoonshine, RN]

We can't give medical advice so see your doctor.

The ED isn't the place to go for BP management unless the patient is having acute problems related to their elevated BP (as in sudden hypertensive crisis). We can't manage a pt's chronic BP condition which is why we always refer to a PCP. That way, the PCP can follow-up and monitor the response to dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and medication adjustments.

We often don't mess around with chronic HTN in the ED unless the patient is symptomatic. Dropping someone's BP fast can actually cause a stroke because the body is used to maintaining such high pressures in the body (a sudden BP drop causes decreased cerebral perfusion). Conversely, elevated BP can also cause stroke, so its a lose-lose situation and must be agressively managed by a PCP.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Headaches, feeling like crap and elevated BP's ---who knows what other symptom's you are overlooking. If you feel that bad, are asking nursing advise--taking thyself to ER if concerned emergent situation and followup with PCP.