Blood Pressure High
| CARD 12 · ORANGE | |
|---|---|
| Category | Pre-existing |
| 108 | Not always required |
| Pathway | ASHA → PHC (same day) → CHC / District Hospital if persistent |
What is this?
High blood pressure in pregnancy — also called hypertension — means the reading is 140/90 mmHg or above on two readings taken 15 minutes apart. The blood is pressing too hard against the walls of the blood vessels. The woman may feel completely well, or she may have headaches, feel dizzy, or see flashing lights. The only way to know is to measure it.
High blood pressure can progress quickly to pre-eclampsia, and then to life-threatening fits (eclampsia), if it is not measured and treated. Never take blood pressure tablets on your own — only take medicine that a doctor has prescribed. Write down every reading in your MCP card so the doctor can see the pattern at every visit.
- Write down the blood pressure reading and the date in your MCP card
- Go to the PHC the same day — do not wait
- Never take blood pressure medicine on your own without a doctor's instruction
- Go to the CHC or District Hospital if BP stays high or worsens
Pathway: ASHA→PHC (same day)→CHC / District Hospital if persistent
A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or above requires a visit to the PHC on the same day it is found — do not wait until the next scheduled ANC visit. If the reading stays high or increases despite treatment, go to the CHC or District Hospital. High blood pressure left untreated in pregnancy is one of the leading causes of maternal death.
Khasi audio guide
Related cards
- Severe Headache with Vision Disturbed — key warning signs of pre-eclampsia
- Face Hands Feet All Swollen — whole-body swelling linked to high BP
- Fits or Body Shaking — the emergency that untreated high BP causes