Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects an estimated 116 million US adults Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is known as the “silent killer” because there are often no signs. Although it is a common condition, it is a major preventable cause of death. A healthy lifestyle such as not smoking, a balanced diet, adequate sleep and physical activity can significantly reduce your risk. Ignoring high blood pressure can have deadly and serious consequences. Eric StahlMD Non-Invasive Cardiologist at Staten Island University Hospital tells us: “If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss, and sexual dysfunction,” so it’s always recommended to monitor blood pressure and not skip routine visits to your doctor. Although high blood pressure doesn’t always give you warning signs, there are a few alarm bells to watch out for. Eat this, not that! Health spoke to experts who share signs to look out for. Read on – and don’t miss these to protect your health and the health of others Sure signs you already had COVID.
1
What you should know about high blood pressure
dr Stahl says, “High blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as blood pressure over 130/80. About 47% of Americans have high blood pressure.”
Sean Marchese, MS, RN, a Registered Nurse The Mesothelioma Center with a clinical trials background in oncology and over 20 years of direct patient care experience adds: “There’s a myth that high blood pressure can cause outward signs of stress, including sweating, anxiety, headaches, or hot flashes. Some people report that they hear their pulse in their ears when they have high blood pressure, or that high blood pressure makes it difficult to sleep. Current evidence suggests that hypertension produces very few noticeable symptoms, except during hypertensive crisis when blood pressure is 180/120 mmHg or higher. If you know your blood pressure is above the normal range and you experience anything abnormal, such as a headache or a nosebleed, for more than a few minutes, call 911 as soon as possible. The American Heart Association recommends that you never attempt to control high blood pressure yourself diagnose. Instead, talk to a doctor who can help you track your blood pressure trends. There is evidence that various symptoms can be associated with high blood pressure, but are not always caused by high blood pressure.”
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Who is at risk?
dr Stahl explains, “Everyone should have a routine blood pressure check. However, those with a family history of diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease, poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy drinking, and high blood pressure should be screened more frequently to determine their increased risk.”
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First signal of high blood pressure
dr Stahl says, “People who have had a myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or stroke should be screened for hypertension. These problems are the result of uncontrolled high blood pressure and, unfortunately, can be the first sign that high blood pressure is present.”
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Watch out for several symptoms
according to dr Stahl, “People with high blood pressure often don’t feel any symptoms related to their high blood pressure. However, if they have symptoms, they may have uncontrolled blood pressure. Headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, shortness of breath, blood spots in the eyes, and facial flushing are all possible signs of high blood pressure and should warrant a blood pressure test and medical attention.”
5
Red eyes
Marchese shares, “A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a medical term for broken blood vessels in the eye that can cause blood spots with general redness. This sign is typically more common in people with diabetes or circulatory problems, but also in some cases of high blood pressure. Untreated high blood pressure can damage the optic nerve over time and permanently damage vision.”
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dizziness
Marchese says: “High blood pressure doesn’t cause dizziness, but drowsiness or dizziness can be caused by certain blood pressure medications or poor circulation problems. Over time, high blood pressure can weaken blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain and other vital tissues. When your brain is getting less oxygen, you may feel tired, dizzy, or confused. Dizziness is also a sign of a stroke caused by a blood clot in the brain, a deadly condition caused by untreated high blood pressure.”
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palpitations
Marchese tells us: “You may experience an irregular heartbeat or palpitations with high blood pressure. Palpitations can feel like your heart is “skipping a beat” or you can feel your heart “in your throat.” This symptom is associated with a hypertensive crisis and could indicate an impending heart attack. Palpitations can also lead to blood clots and stroke because the heart cannot pump blood effectively during a hypertensive crisis. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience unexplained palpitations or unusual chest pain.”
8th
shortness of breath
“When blood pressure rises in vital arteries, it can reduce oxygen transfer efficiency as the heart struggles to push blood through the lungs,” Marchese explained. “High blood pressure in the vessels that connect the heart and lungs is called pulmonary hypertension, which can cause shortness of breath. Pulmonary hypertension is a critical problem and can also cause fatigue, lightheadedness, chest pain, cough and edema.”
9
nausea and vomiting
Marchese says: “Severe hypertension can cause nausea or vomiting in some cases, often as a result of dizziness. People taking medication for high blood pressure may experience nausea after missing a prescription dose, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the blood pressure is high. If possible, measure your blood pressure during or shortly after an episode of nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may indicate a hypertensive emergency if your blood pressure is above the normal range and stays there for several minutes. In this case, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.”
