Cardiologist Sergey Boytsov has warned that patients must call an ambulance immediately when their blood pressure exceeds 180 over 120 millimetres of mercury.
Speaking to news agency RIA Novosti, Boytsov stated that calling emergency medical services is necessary whenever systolic pressure rises above 180 mmHg and diastolic pressure exceeds 120 mmHg. He added that an ambulance should also be summoned at a lower reading of 160 over 100 if accompanied by deteriorating health, such as a severe headache, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Blood pressure measurements track the force of circulating blood against the walls of the body's arteries. The higher figure, known as systolic pressure, measures arterial pressure when the heart contracts and pumps blood. The lower figure, or diastolic pressure, measures arterial pressure when the heart muscle relaxes between beats. Elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, forces the heart to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body.
Managing blood pressure with regular medication
Boytsov noted that upper blood pressure levels are effectively controlled using medications prescribed by an attending physician. He emphasized that individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure must take their required medications on a regular basis to maintain stable readings.
The cardiologist observed that patient compliance has improved in recent years. He pointed out that significantly more people with hypertension correctly take their prescribed medications today compared to several years ago.
Consistent medication management prevents dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure that can damage blood vessels over time. Left untreated, severe spikes in pressure can lead to cardiovascular complications including stroke, heart attack, or organ damage, making strict adherence to prescribed treatments essential for long term health.
Recognizing hidden cardiovascular risks
The guidance on emergency blood pressure limits follows previous insights from cardiologist Yevgeny Kokin regarding hidden heart risks. Kokin explained that persistent snoring can sometimes signal a hidden threat to heart health, serving as a key symptom of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing temporary blockages of the airway. These repeated pauses in breathing cause oxygen levels to drop, triggering sudden surges in blood pressure and placing additional stress on the cardiovascular system during the night.
Medical specialists recommend that individuals experiencing recurring blood pressure spikes or severe snoring seek clinical evaluation. Prompt consultation allows healthcare providers to adjust prescription therapies and address underlying sleep disorders before severe emergency events occur.
