Symptoms Of Hypertension

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October 8, 2024
2 min read

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against your blood vessels is consistently too high, typically 140/90 mmHg or above.

While common, it can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.

Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers.

Read Also: Strategies To Improve Blood Pressure

The first number, called systolic, measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats.

The second number, known as diastolic, indicates the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest between beats.

Symptoms

Most people with hypertension don’t experience any noticeable symptoms. However, extremely high blood pressure can lead to symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, and more.

The most reliable way to know if you have high blood pressure is to regularly check it. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious health problems, including kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke.

Individuals with extremely high blood pressure (typically 180/120 or higher) may experience symptoms such as:

Intense headaches
Chest pain
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Vomiting
Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
Anxiety
Confusion
Ringing or buzzing in the ears
Nosebleeds
Irregular heartbeat

If you experience any of these symptoms along with high blood pressure, seek medical attention immediately.

Hypertension can only be detected through a blood pressure measurement by a health professional. The process is quick and painless. While you can use automated devices to check your own blood pressure, it’s essential to have a professional evaluation to assess potential risks and related conditions.