Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition in which the pressure in the arteries is higher than a safe limit. Two measurements determine the blood pressure: the systolic pressure, which is the amount of pressure against artery walls each time the heart beats and the diastolic pressure, which is the amount of pressure present when the artery is at rest between beats. Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, defines hypertension as a pattern of systolic pressure over 140 or diastolic pressure over 90. High blood pressure is harmful to the heart, kidneys and other organs. Individuals with hypertension may exhibit no symptoms or they may have one or more characteristics that are apparent to others.
Feels Fatigued
The person with long-standing or severe high blood pressure may appear fatigued. He may take frequent rest periods, use the elevator instead of the stairs and avoid volunteering for any type of physical activity. He may miss days of work due to feeling tired or "sick."
Suffers Headaches
The person with severe high blood pressure may complain of headaches. The Mayo Clinic notes that these headaches are often described as "dull." A severe headache in someone suspected of having hypertension should be evaluated immediately. Over-the-counter pain relievers may fail to eliminate a headache brought on by high blood pressure.
Feels Dizzy
The hypertension sufferer may feel dizzy or faint when the blood pressure rises to a dangerous level. He may avoid standing up or hold onto handrails, furniture or another person as he walks. This dizziness may precede a stroke.
Appears Confused
Occasionally, severe hypertension will make a person appear suddenly confused. She may become agitated and say things that don't make sense or sit silently, looking frightened or lost. This confusion is more common in the elderly and requires immediate evaluation.
Has Chest Pain
A person with untreated hypertension may experience episodes of chest pain. This may be accompanied by an irregular or rapid heartbeat.
Has Blurry Vision
Severe hypertension may cause blurry vision, causing the person to be unable to read or drive an automobile. This may come and go as the blood pressure changes. Long-standing, untreated high blood pressure can result in permanent vision loss.
Suffers Nosebleeds
Occasionally, an episode of severe hypertension is marked by a nosebleed. This type of nosebleed is difficult to differentiate from one caused by another source, but someone with frequent nosebleeds should be checked for hypertension.
Vomits for No Apparent Reason
The person with hypertension may vomit in the absence of food poisoning or gastrointestinal virus. She may complain of nausea and a lack of appetite as well.
Has a High Stress Level
"Medical-Surgical Nursing" explains that high stress levels can worsen high blood pressure. These stressors may be financial, career-related or interpersonal and the sufferer deals with them poorly or not at all.
References
- MayoClinic.com: High Blood Pressure
- MedlinePlus: Hypertension
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
