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Warning-sign checks

Hypertension-related kidney disease: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if a very high blood pressure reading occurs with chest pain, severe shortness of breath, new confusion, fainting, a seizure, sudden vision loss, or signs of stroke.

    Stroke signs include facial drooping, arm weakness, or difficulty speaking.

    These symptoms may indicate damage to the heart, brain, lungs, or other organs.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical advice if repeated readings are extremely high even without symptoms, or if you develop a sudden major reduction in urine, rapidly worsening swelling, or breathlessness.

    Bring your readings and medicine list if possible.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if your home readings are often above your agreed range, swelling or foamy urine persists, or medicine side effects make treatment difficult.

    Routine kidney monitoring remains important even when you feel well.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hypertension-related kidney disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.