What are hypertension symptoms?

What are hypertension symptoms?
7 min read
30 November 2023

When hypertension symptoms are found, they include dizziness, shortness of breath, migraines, and nosebleeds. However, these and other hypertension symptoms frequently go completely unnoticed.

Chest discomfort, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and blurred vision are all possible symptoms of a hypertensive crisis, which is a rare and deadly condition. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. You can consult a nephrologist in Chennai for guidance.

The signs of hypertension and hypertensive emergencies are described in this article. It also talks about when you should see a healthcare provider. 

What is hypertension?

High blood pressure can also be referred to as hypertension. It is a severe, long-term health issue caused by the strain or pressure that blood exerts on blood vessel walls. It impacts around one billion people globally and is rather frequent in today's lifestyle. Primary and secondary hypertension are the two primary forms of hypertension.

Obesity and other lifestyle factors, along with family history, are the main causes of hypertension. It increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Blood pressure management significantly lowers the risk of heart attacks, strokes, cardiac failures, etc. It can be controlled in many ways, including by medication, physical activity, stress management, etc.

What are some common hypertension symptoms?

Most persons who have hypertension do not exhibit any symptoms at all. Typically, a basic blood pressure measurement using a blood pressure cuff is used at the doctor's office to diagnose it.

If symptoms manifest, they may be related to the timing of medication dosages and may show transient changes or spikes in blood pressure.

In general, symptoms of hypertension are transient, unpredictable, and may reoccur. They consist of:

Chronic Headaches.

Headaches are rather common, whether or not hypertension is present. Some hypertensive patients experience changes in their headaches or a worsening of them when they miss medication or experience elevated blood pressure.

Hypertension-related headaches can be throbbing and range in intensity from mild to severe. The early morning hours are when hypertensive headaches typically happen.

Dizziness.

Dizziness is sometimes linked to high blood pressure, even though it can adversely affect some blood pressure treatments. Dizziness, however, should not be disregarded, particularly if it appears suddenly. The warning signs of a stroke include difficulty walking, sudden dizziness, and loss of balance or coordination. High blood pressure is one of the main causes of stroke risk.

Breathing difficulty.

The most typical sign of pulmonary hypertension, which is elevated blood pressure in the blood arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs, is shortness of breath. People who have pulmonary hypertension have clogged or constricted arteries in their lungs. Because of this, the body has a harder time pumping blood oxygenated to the left side of the heart and the rest of the body.

Hypertension-related dyspnea becomes more apparent when engaging in short bursts of physical activity, such as ascending stairs.

Weakness or Fatigue

As pulmonary hypertension affects 57% of the population, fatigue and weakness are common side effects. Physical exhaustion, mental exhaustion, decreased motivation, or any combination of these could be the side effect that shows up.

Fatigue can result from various hypertension treatments as well as from disorders like stress and obstructive sleep apnea that are linked to hypertension.

Symptoms of a Hypertensive Crisis 

A diastolic pressure of more than 120 mmHg and a systolic pressure of more than 180 mmHg are indicative of a hypertensive crisis. This type of hypertension is the most severe, characterized by blood pressure surges that can result in potentially fatal consequences like stroke or organ damage.

Chest Ache

About 48% of patients with hypertensive crises experience chest pain or angina. When the heart does not receive enough blood, this happens. The chest discomfort may seem as though something is pressing down on it or is squeezing it. Some people characterize it as having a full chest. It usually affects the left or center side of the chest and can range in severity from minor to severe.

Blood spots in the eyes

Individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure are more likely to experience subconjunctival hemorrhage, which results in blood spots in the eyes. Furthermore, there is no connection between high blood pressure and ocular floaters. On the other hand, an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) can identify optic nerve damage brought on by uncontrolled hypertension.

Facial flushing 

The dilation of blood vessels in the face causes facial flushing. It may happen suddenly or in reaction to specific triggers, including wind, sun exposure, cold temperatures, spicy foods, hot beverages, and skin care products. In addition, emotional stress, exposure to heat or hot water, drinking alcohol, and exercise can all cause temporary high blood pressure and facial flushing. 

Vision alterations

Hypertensive retinopathy is a disorder that can result from long-term hypertension and damage to the blood vessels supplying the retina. The tissue layer at the back of the eye called the retina enables the brain to comprehend images and light.

Double vision, dim vision, fuzzy vision, and temporary or permanent vision loss are all possible consequences of hypertensive retinopathy. It might appear gradually in those with uncontrolled, long-term hypertension. Alternatively, however uncommon, it might happen quickly during a hypertensive crisis.

Since sudden vision changes are a primary warning sign of stroke, they should always be considered as an emergency requiring rapid medical attention.

When should you see a medical professional?

Having hypertension necessitates routine check-ups with your doctor to track your development. Get in touch with your healthcare practitioner to discuss any adverse effects you may be experiencing if you are currently taking blood pressure medication and whether your treatment plan needs to be modified.

See a doctor straight once if you suffer from any of the symptoms of hypertension, including regular headaches, recurrent dizziness, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, nausea, or vomiting.

Conclusion-

Until their hypertension worsens or difficulties arise, the majority of persons with hypertension do not exhibit any symptoms. This emphasizes how crucial it is to monitor your blood pressure routinely. Symptoms could include vertigo, headaches, exhaustion, shortness of breath, and vision changes.

These symptoms may potentially indicate a hypertensive crisis, which, if left untreated, might result in irreversible organ damage. Numerous symptoms may also indicate a heart attack or stroke. See a doctor right away if you experience any new, strange, or severe hypertension symptoms. You can consult a nephrologist in Chennai for guidance.

Also Read - https://techplanet.today/post/can-back-pain-be-caused-by-gas

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