Which symptoms warrant immediate medical attention in a pregnant patient with hypertension?

Severe headache, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain are critical symptoms in a pregnant patient with hypertension that necessitate immediate medical attention. These symptoms may be indicative of severe hypertension or the presence of a hypertensive crisis, potentially leading to serious complications such as eclampsia or HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count). Severe headache could suggest increased intracranial pressure or impending stroke, vision changes might indicate issues such as retinal detachment or increased pressure in the brain, and upper abdominal pain could be a sign of liver dysfunction or placental abruption.

It is essential for healthcare providers to act quickly when these symptoms are reported, as timely intervention can greatly impact both maternal and fetal outcomes. The urgent response to these signs is vital in managing hypertensive disorders in pregnancy effectively.