What are the Top 10 Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure may seem harmless and silent, but if left untreated, it can give rise to severe health conditions. Recognizing the levels of high blood pressure is required for proper treatment.
Today, we will discuss: What are the top 10 symptoms of high blood pressure? And how you can manage them to normalize your blood pressure effectively.
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when blood pushes too hard against artery walls. Hypertension develops slowly without showing any specific symptoms at first. That’s why we call it the “Silent Killer”.
WHO states that high blood pressure is a risk for developing various health conditions, including kidney damage, heart attack, or stroke.
What Are the Top 10 Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
Hypertension doesn’t show any significant signs until it reaches a certain level. The symptoms become visible when the condition progresses. Here are the symptoms a person with high blood may experience,
1. Difficulty Breathing
High blood pressure may cause difficulty in breathing. It happens because high blood pressure puts strain on the heart.
The strain makes it harder for your heart to pump blood, and your lungs may not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. When the lungs don’t get enough oxygen, a person feels shortness of breath. You cannot breathe even when not doing complex activities.
2. Buzzing in the Ear
When your blood pressure is high, it affects the blood vessels and nerves in your ear, leading to a buzzing sound.
3. Anxiety
When your blood pressure is high, you may experience anxiousness or uneasiness. It is because high blood pressure strains your heart and blood vessels. It causes your body to respond to stress that makes you anxious.
4. Chest Pain
High blood pressure forces your heart to work harder to pump blood. As a result, low oxygen reaches the heart, causing chest pain or discomfort. If you have chest pain, monitor your blood pressure and visit a chronic disease management clinic for proper treatment.
5. Dizziness
Dizziness is one of the signs of high blood pressure. High blood pressure reduces the flow of blood towards the brain. The low supply of blood to the brain causes dizziness.
6. Nausea
Nausea is another symptom of developing high blood pressure. When your blood pressure is high, it impacts blood flow to the digestive tract, causing nausea.
7. Confusions
When your blood pressure is too high, it damages and narrows small blood vessels in the brain. The narrowing causes less blood to flow through the brain. As a result, symptoms like confusion or difficulty concentrating can occur.
8. Blurred Vision
High blood pressure damages the blood vessels present in the eyes. These damaged vessels may leak fluid or blood into the eyes, affecting vision.
9. Abnormal Heart Rhythms
People with high blood pressure may experience abnormal heart rhythms. When the blood pressure reaches high levels, it has to work harder, which leads to irregular heartbeats. High blood pressure interferes with electric signals that control the heartbeat, causing it to beat fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia).
10. Severe Headaches
High blood pressure may cause blood vessels in the brain to become more prone to damage. As a result, a headache may occur.
According to the American Heart Association, headache is not a direct indication of headache. If you experience headaches with high BP, wait five minutes and then recheck. If the BP is still high, consult a doctor or call 911.
If you have any symptoms of hypertension, see a doctor immediately for treatment.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
Several types of risk factors can contribute to high blood pressure. Some of them are uncontrollable, while other aspects are controllable. One or a combination of factors can be a risk of high blood pressure. These causes include,
Controllable Causes
- Consuming a high-salt diet
- No physical activity
- Excessive smoking
- Alcohol intake
- Stress
Uncontrollable Causes
- Age
- Genetics
- Race (people of certain regions, Americans and Africans)
Diagnosis of High Blood Pressure
Doctors use a sphygmomanometer or handcuff to measure your blood pressure. The usual range of blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg.
- The blood pressure reading above 130-139/80-89 mm Hg is high.
- A reading above 180/120 mm Hg is the hypertension crisis.
It is the most severe rise in blood pressure and needs critical medical care.
Treatment of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the root of various health conditions. Hence, treatment is necessary to protect your body from damage. Hypertension treatment entails lifestyle changes and medications to manage the situation efficiently.
1. Lifestyle Changes
The first treatment doctors recommend is lifestyle changes. It includes eating healthy, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. All these steps help your body regulate blood pressure effectively.
2. Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications if you cannot manage blood pressure with lifestyle changes. These medications work by relaxing blood arteries to further reduce blood pressure.
3. Regular Check Up
It is essential to visit a doctor regularly to monitor your blood pressure. Regular follow-up can help you identify your progress and adjust treatment if needed.
4. Reduce Stress
Stress is a critical trigger of blood pressure. Try to relax your body by opting for meditation techniques to relieve blood pressure.
5. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
Stress is a critical trigger of blood pressure. Try to relax your body by opting for meditation techniques to relieve blood pressure.
6. Quit Smoking
If you are a smoker, you must think about quitting it as it may help you manage blood pressure better.
7. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can lead to elevated blood pressure. If you drink 8 ounces of water every day, it will help you manage your high blood pressure.
Why Should You Choose PHNJ for Hypertension Management
Hypertension is a chronic illness and requires proper care and treatment. At Prime Health of New Jersey, we aim to provide personalized support and treatment that suits our patients' needs. Book an appointment now to avail yourself of our tailored help.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Final Verdict
Hypertension is the root cause of various illnesses. A blood pressure reading over 180/120 mm Hg means a high BP or hypertension crisis. It is the stage where patients experience symptoms such as chest pain, blurred vision, and irregular heartbeat.
Recognizing: what are the top 10 symptoms of high blood pressure is essential for proper treatment. Experts recommend following healthy lifestyle changes and taking medications to cope with this condition effectively.
Hypertension affects not only your blood vessels but the whole body. If your blood pressure increases, even slightly, you should immediately consult a doctor. It is important to prevent any harm to your body.
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