High blood pressure warning - five common hypertension signs you shouldn’t ignore
HIGH blood pressure symptoms can be difficult to spot, and may only reveal themselves in people with extreme hypertension. But, you could be at risk of high blood pressure if you have any of these common warning signs. Should you see a doctor and check your blood pressure?
High blood pressure: Lifestyle changes to reduce reading
High blood pressure is a common condition that affects more than a quarter of all adults in the UK. The condition, which is also known as hypertension, puts extra stress on blood vessels and vital organs. Diagnosing the condition early is crucial, as high blood pressure raises the risk of some deadly complications, including heart disease and strokes. One of the most common warning signs of high blood pressure has been revealed to be persistent headaches.
Related articles
If you think you might be having high blood pressure symptoms, find out whether you might need testing or treatment
While it’s very common to have a headache every now and again, frequent headaches may be caused by hypertension, said Superdrug.
Other common warning signs include having dizzy spells, facial flushing, nosebleeds, and seeing blood spots in your eyes.
But, these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something else, as high blood pressure rarely has any noticeable symptoms, it warned.
“Because high blood pressure (medical term – hypertension) is a serious condition that can cause disability or death, it’s important to know if you have it,” said Superdrug.
“If you think you might be having high blood pressure symptoms, find out whether you might need testing or treatment.
“if you do have high blood pressure, there are some symptoms you could experience.
“It is unlikely what you're experiencing is symptoms of high blood pressure – you might be worried you have symptoms of high blood pressure.
“However, the truth is, that the vast majority of patients with high blood pressure have no symptoms at all.”
You could also develop some high blood pressure symptoms if you have a hypertensive crisis.
A hypertensive crisis is where your blood pressure reaches dangerous heights - round 180/120mmHg.
Common hypertensive crisis symptoms include feeling short of breath, chest pains, and visual disturbances, it said.
Related articles
You could lower your risk of high blood pressure symptoms by eating a healthy, balanced diet, and by doing regular exercise.
It’s crucial to avoid eating too much salt, as salt raises your blood pressure. Avoid eating more than a teaspoonful of salt every day.
Meanwhile, it’s important that everyone does at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist to have your blood pressure checked.
All adults over 40 years old should check their blood pressure at least every five years.
