High blood pressure – ED discharge instructions

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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 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:

Think you might be having a heart attack:
- Symptoms of a heart attack usually include feeling pressure, discomfort, or pain in the chest, arms, back, or jaw.
- Some people have trouble breathing, sweat, feel dizzy, or pass out.
- Symptoms usually get worse with activity, like walking up stairs.
- If you are used to having symptoms only with activity, call for help if you start having them when you are not active.
Think you might be having a stroke. Symptoms of a stroke can include:
- 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.

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Retrieved from UpToDate® Digital Architect on: April 21, 2026

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