Signs of high blood pressure, Hypertension
Signs of high blood pressure, Hypertension
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition where the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. It is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it can be present for years without any obvious symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include the following:
Headaches: Severe headaches may occur when blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels.
Shortness of Breath: This can occur during physical activity or even at rest if blood pressure is particularly high.
Nosebleeds: Although not as common as other symptoms, some people with high blood pressure experience nosebleeds.
Flushing: Flushing occurs when blood pressure spikes, causing redness in the face due to dilated blood vessels.
Dizziness: Although it can be caused by many conditions, dizziness can also be a symptom of high blood pressure, especially in cases of hypertensive crisis.
Chest Pain: High blood pressure can lead to chest pain and is a serious symptom that should not be ignored.
Visual Changes: High blood pressure can cause changes in vision, including blurred vision or double vision.
Blood Spots in the Eyes: Subconjunctival hemorrhage, or blood spots in the whites of the eyes, can be related to high blood pressure.
Fatigue or Confusion: Extreme fatigue or confusion can sometimes be seen in cases of very high blood pressure.
It's crucial to regularly monitor blood pressure, especially if you have risk factors for hypertension. Effective management typically includes lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, managing stress, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. Medication may also be required depending on the level of blood pressure and other individual health factors.