More than 50 million Americans have high blood pressure, according to Cedars-Sinai. Blood pressure is the pressure of the circulating blood on blood vessel walls. This measurement is an indication of overall health and is divided into systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure refers to the force in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps the blood out. Diastolic pressure refers to the force in arteries when the heart is at rest, in between beats. Normal blood pressure is 120 over 80, and anything above 140 over 90 is considered high. Extremely high blood pressure, or malignant hypertension, occurs in rare instances and can be serious and life-threatening. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms.
Organ Damage
According to Merck, high blood pressure that has been left untreated can damage the brain, eyes, kidney, heart and other organs. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and restlessness.
Eye Changes
Severe high blood pressure can cause changes in the eyes. There can be bleeding or swelling of the optic nerve and retina, which can result in blurred vision.
Brain Swelling
Extreme high blood pressure can cause the brain to swell. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, severe headache, inability to concentrate, anxiety, confusion, seizure, fatigue and even coma.
Heart Conditions
If high blood pressure is due to elevated levels of the hormone epinephrine and norepinephrine, symptoms can include severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, profuse sweating, tremors and paleness of the skin.
Numbness
Abnormal numbness or weakness may be felt in the hands, arms, legs or face with severe high blood pressure. Swelling of the lower legs and feet may also occur.
