MayoClinic.com states that most people will not have any symptoms of high blood pressure until it is dangerously high. It is for this reason that the affliction is referred to as "the silent killer." Blood pressure is measured by how hard the blood is pushing against the artery walls while traveling through the circulatory system. Several medical conditions will cause the blood to pump harder than normal, causing elevated blood pressure. If high blood pressure is not taken care of properly, it can become life-threatening quickly. The risk of stroke and heart attack are much higher with patients who have elevated blood pressure.
Headache
Headaches are an extremely common occurrence. Sometimes headaches can signify a greater underlying problem, such as elevated blood pressure. If the blood pressure suddenly rises, the patient can experience a sudden, severe headache. It can affect one side of the head or the entire head. The eyes of the patient can sometimes feel pressure building behind them. If the blood pressure is elevated to an extremely high level, the weaker arteries in the brain can rupture causing aneurysm or stroke. If sudden vision changes suddenly occur along with headache, the patient should seek immediate medical attention.
Dizziness
It is common for patients to feel a sudden onset of dizziness or lightheadedness when the blood pressure becomes elevated. When the blood is pumping harder than normal, there will be more oxygen delivered to the brain. This is what brings on the dizzy spells. This feeling is most common when the person rises from a sitting position. Some patients experience vertigo with a sudden elevation in blood pressure. Care must be taken to avoid falls when these symptoms occur.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing in the ears. This can be intermittent or constant, and generally becomes louder as the blood pressure rises. The American Heart Association says the ears can also become warm to the touch in conjunction with tinnitus when the blood pressure becomes elevated. Most people experience tinnitus at some point or another, but those with high blood pressure will have more fluctuation in occurrence and severity that comes and goes with the rise and fall blood pressure.
Sudden Symptoms
Cedars Sinai Medical Center lists shortness of breath and fatigue as two sudden symptoms of elevated blood pressure. A patient could also experience flushing of the face or irregular heartbeat. A sudden nosebleed is possible from the rupture of the weak vessels in the nose. If the symptoms become extreme and are ignored, the brain could swell, which is referred to as hypertensive encephalopathy.
