Sit down and rest quietly for 5–10 minutes
Take slow, deep breaths
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and exercise
Drink a glass of water if you may be dehydrated
Loosen tight clothing
Recheck your blood pressure after resting
Take prescribed blood pressure medicine exactly as directed
If you missed a prescribed dose, follow your doctor’s instructions or pharmacist’s advice
Reduce salt intake immediately
Avoid processed, salty foods
If you have severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, confusion, vision changes, or BP is 180/120 or higher, seek emergency care immediately