High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called "the silent killer" because it has no early symptoms, even when the blood pressure is dangerously high. It takes years for the symptoms of hypertension to be expressed, according to Cedars-Sinai.com. Hypertension is caused by elevated pressure within the arteries. Over time, this elevation in pressure causes damage to some of the organ systems, which each then exhibits its own set of symptoms.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, results from an increase in the pressure of blood against the artery walls. According to MayoClinic.com, blood pressure is determined by how much blood is being pumped versus how much resistance there is within the arteries. The more blood pumped by the heart and the narrower the arteries, the higher the blood pressure. High blood pressure is easily determined through a simple reading, usually performed during routine doctor's visits and available in many pharmacies. A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure is considered to be high when readings are consistently over 140/90 mm Hg. After many years of high blood pressure, symptoms begin to occur.
Headache
Everyone has a headache at one time or another. The headache associated with high blood pressure occurs only when the blood pressure is dangerously high. It is dull and achy, caused by blood pounding within the arteries in the brain. It comes on suddenly and can last a long time, possibly weeks. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, any severe headache that persists for weeks should be reported to a medical professional, as it could be a sign of a life-threatening form of high blood pressure called malignant hypertension.
Dizziness and Blurred Vision
Hypertension can also cause dizziness, according to Medline Plus. Dizziness is another ambiguous symptom because it can occur for many other reasons, including low blood pressure. If dizziness occurs more than occasionally, it should be checked out by a medical professional. Blurred vision is another innocuous symptom of high blood pressure, and if it persists, should be checked out by a doctor.
Nosebleeds
A nosebleed is another inconclusive symptom associated with high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, nosebleeds can occur for a variety of reasons other than hypertension, the most common one being breathing in dry air. Only 17 percent of people with hypertension experience nosebleeds, so is not an accurate indicator of hypertension. Any nosebleeds that occur with regularity and prove difficult to stop should be evaluated by a health professional.
Serious Complications
Over time, sustained high blood pressure can damage other organ systems in the body. According to MedlinePlus, hypertension can increase the possibility of heart attack and stroke, congestive heart failure and aneurysm, a ballooning or bursting of an artery wall. It can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, leading to loss of vision, and in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure. It can also cause mental confusion, problems in pregnant women, and peripheral artery disease. It is very important to have your blood pressure checked regularly to avoid any serious complications.
