High systemic blood pressure means that the pressure in the body's arteries---the vessels that carry blood away from the heart---is higher than 140 mmHg during a heart contraction and higher than 90 mmHg between heartbeats. High blood pressure, or hypertension, puts undue stress on the body in many different ways; it can cause damage to the vessels and heart and can also affect other body systems. Many individuals experience no symptoms of high blood pressure, for which reason it's sometimes called the silent killer. Other patients do notice symptoms of high blood pressure or its effects.
Headaches
Headaches are nonspecific symptoms common to many different conditions, both disease processes and acute illnesses. The fact that they're so common creates difficulty for physicians in using patients' headaches to diagnose their condition. Regardless, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute notes that patients with hypertension sometimes notice more frequent headaches than those with normal blood pressure. Frequent headaches, therefore, are a reason for patients to see a doctor. Because all routine doctor examinations include blood pressure readings, physicians can easily catch blood pressure problems in patients who report for visits.
Other Vascular Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic notes that individuals with hypertension may notice other signs of the illness. The blood vessels of the nasal lining are particularly fragile and close to the surface of the skin, making them susceptible to breaking. High blood pressure can stress these delicate vessels, causing them to rupture more frequently than normal. Patients with hypertension may notice an increase in the frequency of nosebleeds. Further, some patients notice a sensation of dizziness or disorientation. This symptom stems from the stress high blood pressure places on the vessels of the brain and the pushing on delicate brain tissue.
Severe Symptoms
Patients with hypertension can sometimes experience a hypertensive crisis. This event, explains the American Heart Association, occurs when blood pressure during a heartbeat is greater than 180 mmHg or blood pressure between beats is greater than 110 mmHg. Most individuals can feel the symptoms of a hypertensive crisis, and they're generally severe. Sudden headache, tightness in the chest and anxiety or a sense of doom are common to patients in crisis. Because blood pressure this high severely threatens the health of the heart and brain, hypertensive crises are medical emergencies.
