A video clip is being transmitted on the “WhatsApp” application, in which a spokeswoman claims that the treatment of sudden high blood pressure is by taking a sewing needle or a pin, then piercing the tip of the thumbs of the hands and the toes of the feet, then squeezing the blood from them, so how true is that?
The Sanad Verification and Monitoring Unit at Al Jazeera Media Network tracked the video clip and found that the clip was first posted a week ago, via an account on TikTok.
Does thumb piercing reduce sudden high blood pressure?
The answer is no, not at all.
Piercing the thumbs and feet with a needle or a pin - as the video claims - does not lower blood pressure.
On the contrary, it will raise it, because piercing the skin is very painful, and the person will be at risk of bacteria and germs entering his body.
On the other hand, in this report, we will learn about emergency hypertension (which is scientifically known as a hypertensive episode) and how to deal with it.
Hypertensive Crisis
A hypertensive episode is a sharp increase in blood pressure that can lead to a stroke, according to Dr. Sheldon G. Shepps of the Mayo Clinic.
Severe high blood pressure—when the top number (systolic pressure) is 180 mmHg or higher, or the bottom number (diastolic pressure) 120 mmHg or higher—can damage blood vessels.
In a hypertensive episode, blood vessels become inflamed, and fluid or blood may leak out.
As a result, the heart may not be able to pump blood effectively.
Among the causes of a high blood pressure attack:
Forgetting to take blood pressure medication
Apoplexy
Heart attack
heart failure
Kidney failure
aortic rupture
Interaction between drugs
Cramps during pregnancy (eclampsia)
Hypertensive episodes fall into two categories:
First: "urgent hypertensive crisis"
In an emergency hypertensive episode, your blood pressure is very high, but your doctor doesn't suspect any organ damage.
Second: "emergency hypertensive crisis"
In an emergency hypertensive episode, the blood pressure is very high and can cause organ damage.
An emergency hypertensive crisis can be associated with life-threatening complications.
Symptoms of a high blood pressure attack
Signs and symptoms of a hypertensive episode may include:
Severe headache or migraine
Dizziness
confusion
very anxious
Nausea or vomiting
pain in chest
Vision changes
Shortness of breath
nosebleeds
spells
swelling or edema (fluid buildup in tissues)
What should be done when an attack of high blood pressure?
If you suffer from severe high blood pressure, seek medical attention immediately, as you must call 911 immediately.
The first goal would be to lower blood pressure as quickly as possible, using intravenous antihypertensive medications to prevent further organ damage, according to a report in WebMD.
Health care providers usually aim to reduce blood pressure by no more than 25% in the first hour, because a rapid drop in blood pressure can cause other problems, according to a report in "Medical News Today".
Once a person's blood pressure is under control, the health care provider will usually switch to using oral antihypertensive medications.
Prevention of a high blood pressure attack
The most important thing a person with high blood pressure can do to prevent a hypertensive crisis is to take blood pressure medications exactly as prescribed.
A 2015 study found that people who didn't take blood pressure medication as often were more likely to be hospitalized with heart problems.
Here are general tips to help lower blood pressure:
eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, fiber and low in fat and salt;
Reducing the amounts of salt in food may directly lower blood pressure.
Stay away from alcohol.
Avoid smoking and all tobacco products;
Smoking increases a person's blood pressure and increases the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke.
Physical activity;
Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy heart and blood circulation.
These activities can also help people lose excess weight, which may also contribute to lowering high blood pressure.
Get enough sleep. Good sleep is important for general health, but it is especially important for the heart and blood circulation.
This is because blood pressure drops during sleep.
Adults should aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
Take your blood pressure medication as directed, and don't miss a dose.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a continuous increase in pressure in the blood vessels, which increases the pumping function of the heart, and leads to sclerosis of the vessels, according to the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office.
What is normal blood pressure?
Normal blood pressure in adults is defined as systolic blood pressure of 120 mm Hg (meaning it is equal to the height of a column of mercury 120 mm long) and diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg.
As for high blood pressure, it is defined as systolic blood pressure reaching or exceeding 140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure 90 mm Hg.
Normal levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure are especially important for vital organs such as the heart, brain and kidneys to function, and for overall health and well-being.
Blood pressure is the force of blood flowing against the walls of the body's arteries, which are the body's main blood vessels.
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure is very high, according to the World Health Organization.
Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: The first number (systolic) is the pressure inside the blood vessels during the contraction or beating of the heart.
The second number (diastolic) represents the pressure within the vessels while the heart is at rest between beats.
Hypertension is diagnosed if its measurement on two different days shows that the systolic blood pressure on both days is equal to or exceeds 140 mm Hg and that the diastolic blood pressure on both days is equal to or exceeds 90 mm Hg, or if one of them shows this reading on two consecutive days.
What are the blood pressure levels?
Hypertension
Systolic: 140 mmHg or more.
Diastolic: 90 mmHg or more.
at risk (prehypertension)
Systolic: 120-139 mmHg.
Diastolic: 80-89 mmHg.
normal blood pressure
Systolic: less than 120 mmHg.
Diastolic: less than 80 mmHg.
What are the risk factors for high blood pressure?
Lifestyle factors, including:
smoking
unhealthy diet
Excessive salt intake
physical inactivity
overweight
obesity
alcohol abuse
Blood pressure tends to rise as people age, so everyone is at risk of high blood pressure as they age.
High blood pressure can be genetic, as some people inherit genes that predispose them to developing high blood pressure. The risk of high blood pressure increases when there are genetic factors that accompany non-genetic factors such as unhealthy lifestyle choices.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is called the "silent killer," because it often doesn't give off warning signs or alert symptoms, so people don't know they have it.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Early morning headache
nosebleed
Irregular heartbeat
Tinnitus
What are the harmful effects of high blood pressure?
The longer high blood pressure lasts, the more likely it is to damage the heart and blood vessels in major organs such as the brain and kidneys.
It can lead to a heart attack or an enlarged heart, and eventually heart failure.
Also, high pressure may lead to a stroke, kidney failure and blindness.
In the following infographics, we present a range of foods that may play a role in lowering blood pressure.
But remember that these foods are useful in general, but if the person already has high blood pressure, the doctor must be consulted, and adhere to his directions for treatment, which may include taking medications.