Warning Signs of Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most common diseases in the United States, with over 100 million Americans diagnosed with the condition: that’s around half of all adults in the country.
Blood pressure measures how hard the heart has to work to pump blood through the body. High blood pressure means that blood is going through your arteries with too much pressure, which can damage the artery walls, and lead to life-threatening or life-limiting conditions such as heart disease or stroke.
The numbers on your blood pressure reading stand for the amount of pressure your arteries are under when your heart is beating (systolic, the first number), and between beats (diastolic, the second number). The normal range for blood pressure readings is up to 120/80 mm Hg, with readings above 130/80 mm Hg meaning a diagnosis of hypertension, and anything in-between being classified as pre-hypertension.
High blood pressure can be dangerously “silent”, with no severe symptoms until the numbers are extremely high, which is why it’s vital to be vigilant, get regular check-ups and measure your own blood pressure at home for early detection.
While the safest option is always to speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have, here are some signs and symptoms of hypertension you can watch out for:
Severe headaches: frequent, severe headaches may be a sign that your blood pressure is on the rise.
Confusion or fatigue: it’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor if you’re experiencing any moments of confusion. Unexplained fatigue is also something worth mentioning at your next check-up.
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy: we can all feel lightheaded at times, but if it becomes a regular issue, it’s best to get a doctor’s appointment.
Vision problems: if you experience problems with your vision, such as temporary blurred vision or seeing double, make sure you get checked out, especially if you don’t suffer from any other vision issues.
Difficulty breathing normally: any problem with breathing should always get checked as soon as possible.
Pounding feeling in the neck or the ears, or an irregular heartbeat: sometimes you can feel your heart skip a beat, or experience a pounding feeling in our ears, in our chest or in the neck. This can be completely normal, but it can also be a sign that our heart is working overtime to maintain blood flow. Make sure you mention it to your doctor.
Blood in the urine: small amounts of blood in your urine, also known as microscopic hematuria, can be a sign of hypertension in people with large kidneys. Don’t take any chances and see your doctor immediately if you experience any blood in your urine, as it can be a symptom of several diseases.
Chest pain: chest pain should never be ignored. Make sure you see your doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing pain in the area.
As all these symptoms can be easily explained by other health complaints, it’s easy to see why hypertension has been dubbed “the silent killer”. Sadly, a staggering 50% of Americans with hypertension aren’t actively managing their condition, with many people putting high blood pressure down to a normal consequence of aging.
While it’s true that as we age, our blood vessels become less flexible and more brittle, and blood pressure rising may seem inevitable, there is a lot we can do to stay healthy and keep those numbers under control: staying active, managing our weight and striving for a healthy diet, as well as reducing our alcohol and sodium intake, have been shown to help reduce blood pressure levels. Natural supplements that offer support for your circulation may also assist the body by promoting healthy blood flow.
Most importantly, make sure you get your blood pressure checked at every doctor’s appointment, and always discuss any concerns with your physician.
