Understand the Warning Signs of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure does not have any warning signs or symptoms – this is the reason it is known as a “silent killer.” Its symptoms go unnoticed initially, so those who have HBP or hypertension come to know about it when they undergo a blood pressure test for some other health reasons.

HBP can be the cause of those health problems. Some individuals are at higher risk of HBP due to old age, genetics, obesity, smoking, drinking, a sedentary lifestyle, high salt intake, and some other reasons. Check the following signs of high blood pressure symptoms.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension is the condition when the blood pressure remains at an elevated level for a long time. No obvious signs and symptoms are associated with HBP. The only way to know about hypertension is to go for a blood pressure check. HBP does not come with any symptoms, but some signs can indicate its presence. Some of the symptoms of high blood pressure include the following:

Chest Pain

High blood pressure establishes a loop where an elevated level of blood pressure damages arteries, and the damaged arteries increase the blood pressure. It becomes a vicious cycle that can go unnoticed until a BP reading is taken while diagnosing some other health problem. One of these secondary health issues can be chest pains that can happen due to a prolonged HBP condition.

HBP puts pressure on the lung arteries and heart. Slowly, this condition, known as pulmonary hypertension, leads to chest pain. You may experience shortness of breath when carrying out daily activities.

Bloodshot Eyes

This hypertension symptom emerges due to the pressure the increased level of blood puts on the blood vessels connected to the retina. Seek medical advice quickly if you notice a blood spot in your eye. The bloodshot eyes caused by HBP are referred to as hypertensive retinopathy. This symptom may also indicate your higher predisposition to specific health risks, such as stroke.

Keep in mind that bloodshot eyes are different from subconjunctival hemorrhage, which appears as a spot or small bruise on the eye surface. You should consult your doctor if you see an abnormally small or large red spot on your eye surface.

Irregular Heartbeat

Medically referred to as heart arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat may be due to high blood pressure. Irregular heartbeat increases the risk of coronary artery disease. This health problem can also arise due to plummeting blood pressure. Seek a medical opinion if you feel a flutter in the chest.

Nosebleed

This condition is usually due to dry air, but it can also be a sign of a health condition. If the bleeding does not stop after a few minutes, you should meet a doctor immediately. Occasional and minor nosebleed is a common health issue.

Hypertension is usually not a direct cause of nosebleeds. Research indicates individuals with a history of HBP have a higher risk of intense nosebleeds to a level where it requires a visit to a doctor. Nosebleeds occur only in extremely high blood pressure conditions.

Poorly Functioning Kidneys

You will see many problems when your kidneys are not functioning at their optimum condition. High blood pressure affects kidneys and lowers their functional efficiency. Seek the help of a doctor if you see symptoms such as less or more urine, back or abdominal pain, swollen feet, and itchy skin.

These symptoms are often caused by poorly functioning kidneys. Your kidneys may not be functioning properly due to the prolonged elevated blood pressure level.

Headache

HBP may be one of the many reasons for this health problem. You may suffer a throbbing headache every now and then due to severe, moderate, or mild hypertension. You may have a headache due to other health issues, but hypertension can make this condition worse.

Dizziness

Fluctuating blood pressure and hypertension can lead to dizziness. Sometimes it appears suddenly when you feel a loss of balance or coordination. Dizziness can also be a symptom of stroke. It can occur when you are under medication for your hypertension condition. You may feel confused and notice some memory loss during these conditions.

Buzzing in Ear

This is an indication of an underlying health problem. HBP can be one of those problems that cause tinnitus or ringing ears. In this health problem, the person hears a sound not produced out of the body. HBP may lead to pulsatile tinnitus.

Some of the causes of high blood pressure include:

  • Kidney disease
  • Congenital heart defect present at birth
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Thyroid disease
  • Use of strong medications for birth control, cold, pain, and some others
  • Use of illicit drugs like cocaine

What causes high blood pressure? No initial symptoms are noticed when the HBP condition starts to develop. Hypertension patients come to know about it only when they visit their doctor for another health issue and undergo a blood pressure test.

This test is usually a necessary part of a diagnostic procedure for most health conditions in clinics and hospitals. Early diagnosis of HBP can prevent this condition from worsening. Follow the recommendations of your doctor in this matter. Contact Dr. Storch here if you would like to consult an HBP expert online.