Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
During your visit to the ED, the doctors found that your blood pressure was high. This is called "hypertension."
Blood pressure is measured with 2 numbers. For example, you might hear the doctors and nurses say your blood pressure is 130 over 80.
High blood pressure puts you at risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take all your medicines as instructed. Do not stop taking any of your regular medicines without talking to your doctor.
●Learn how to check your blood pressure at home, if your doctor suggests it.
When should I get emergency help? —
Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
●Have signs of a heart attack, which can include:
•Severe chest pain, pressure, or discomfort with:
-Breathing trouble, sweating, upset stomach, or cold, clammy skin
-Pain in your arms, back, or jaw
-Worse pain with activity like walking up stairs
•Fast or irregular heartbeat
•Feeling dizzy, faint, or weak
●Have signs of stroke like sudden:
•Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on 1 side of the body
•Confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding
•Trouble seeing in 1 or both eyes
•Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
•Severe headache with no known cause
●Have a seizure or pass out
●Have a severe headache with nausea or vomiting
●Have sudden, severe back pain
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have 2 home blood pressure readings higher than 180/120.
●Your urine is brown or bloody.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: High blood pressure in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: High blood pressure in children (The Basics)
Patient education: High blood pressure emergencies (The Basics)
Patient education: High blood pressure and pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Blood pressure measurement (The Basics)
Patient education: Checking your blood pressure at home (The Basics)
Patient education: High blood pressure in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: High blood pressure treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: High blood pressure in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: High blood pressure treatment in children (Beyond the Basics)
