1. Understand Risks of High Blood Pressure
Healthcare professionals measure blood pressure with two numbers. The top number is the systolic and measures the force of blood on the artery walls when the heart actively pumps blood. The diastolic or bottom number measures that same force when the heart relaxes for blood to reenter the heart. The healthiest blood pressure numbers are 120/80 or less. Regularly getting higher numbers indicates high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, which requires lifestyle changes and/or medication. Experts believe that 68 percent of the estimated 50 million Americans with hypertension don't know that they have it.
2. High Blood Pressure--a Silent Killer
Doctors refer to hypertension as the silent killer because very few people suffer symptoms, including headaches, until it's too late. Untreated, chronic high blood pressure leads to stroke or heart attack. Even though many people associate headache as a symptom of hypertension, medical studies indicate that high blood pressure doesn't lead to headaches a majority of the time. Often people experience headaches because of muscle tension, not high blood pressure. However, muscle tension can also lead to an increased blood pressure.
3. Right Meds Relieve Headache and Hypertension
For the small minority whose headaches have a direct correlation to a high blood pressure reading, taking blood pressure medication should take care of the headache. Whether a connection between high blood pressure and headache exists or not, studies indicate that treatment with blood pressure lowering medication actually prevents headaches from starting in many instances. If you feel that you suffer from blood pressure headaches, talk to your doctor about changing your medication or dosage to better manage blood pressure. In sum, treat the high blood pressure and you'll treat the headache.
4. Know Your Exceptions
One type of hypertension known as malignant or accelerated hypertension causes the optic nerve to swell, which often causes headaches. This serious condition often requires hospitalization with IV medication to bring the blood pressure back down. Once a person stabilizes, they can take oral hypertensive medications to control blood pressure. This specific type of hypertension only affects 1 percent of the population, usually younger adults.
5. Treat Pressure and Headaches With Lifestyle Changes
Professionals believe that diet and exercise can help you manage blood pressure. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet helps many. Poor sleep can lead to both increased blood pressure and headaches, while stress management techniques help people manage the tension that contributes to both problems. Specific nutrients like magnesium and potassium have a demonstrated impact on blood pressure and may treat headaches too. Researchers are currently investigating the effect of botanicals on various health conditions, including high blood pressure and headache.
