If you have been diagnosed with hypertension or high blood pressure, it means that you are at a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Essential hypertension means that your high blood pressure has occurred with no known cause. To help protect against serious illness, it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly as this is often the only way you will know if you have hypertension. Learning to recognize the few mild signs and symptoms is also necessary so you can receive treatment before a heart attack or stroke occurs.
Absence of Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and the American Heart Association, hypertension usually exists without any signs or symptoms. The only way to know if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked. If your blood pressure readings are high on several occasions, your doctor may diagnose you with hypertension.
High Blood Pressure Readings
According to the Centers for Disease Control, a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher, signifies high blood pressure. Pre-hypertension is defined by a systolic blood pressure between 120 and 139 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 89 mmHg.
Minor Symptoms
If your hypertension continues untreated, you may begin to experience symptoms such as headaches and unusual fatigue. The University of Michigan Health System also suggests to be on the lookout for nosebleeds, chest pain and shortness of breath.
Major Symptoms
According to the American Heart Association, untreated hypertension can lead to serious health conditions, including heart attacks, congestive heart failure, strokes, kidney failure, eye damage and atherosclerotic plaques. In some cases, the only sign or symptom of hypertension may be a heart attack or stroke.
