“The Silent Killer”... Symptoms of High Blood Pressure, and How to Treat and Prevent It?

Usually, most people with high blood pressure show no symptoms, and the condition is only discovered when blood pressure is measured for any reason. However, the real problem is that whether symptoms appear or not, the increased pressure inside the arteries continues to cause damage silently — one might suddenly suffer a heart attack or stroke without prior warning.

Nevertheless, some people may experience certain symptoms, such as headaches or dizziness, that may indicate high blood pressure. So, what are the most prominent symptoms of high blood pressure, and how can it be treated and prevented?

What Does High Blood Pressure Mean?

High blood pressure means that the force of the blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is higher than normal, which makes your heart work harder to pump blood throughout your body. Over time, this can damage your arteries and heart and may lead to serious complications, such as heart attack or stroke.

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers:

• Systolic blood pressure: The upper number, representing the pressure on your artery walls when your heart contracts.
• Diastolic blood pressure: The lower number, representing the pressure between beats, while your heart relaxes.

When Is Blood Pressure Considered High?

Blood pressure is considered high if the systolic pressure is 130 mmHg or higher, or if the diastolic pressure is 80 mmHg or higher, according to healthcare providers in the United States.

Types of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is classified according to its cause into:

1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension

This means that genetics, family history, and age are the main causes of your high blood pressure.

2. Secondary Hypertension

This means there is an identifiable cause, such as a specific disease, medication, or addictive substance, that leads to elevated blood pressure.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

The causes vary depending on the type of hypertension, as follows:

Causes of Primary Hypertension

Most people with hypertension have this type, and several factors often work together to cause it:

• Genetics: Some people have a hereditary tendency toward high blood pressure, whether inherited from their parents or due to genetic mutations.
• Age: People over 65 are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
• Obesity: Increases the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension.
• Lack of physical activity or sedentary lifestyle: Both are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure.
• Diabetes or metabolic syndrome: People with these conditions are more likely to develop hypertension.
• Excess sodium (salt) intake: There is a strong link between consuming more than 5 grams of sodium per day and developing hypertension.

Causes of Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension often develops suddenly and tends to be more severe. Its causes include:

• Kidney disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Thyroid disorders
• Adrenal gland disorders
• Certain endocrine tumors
• Congenital structural heart problems
• Side effects of some medications

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

In most cases, hypertension causes no symptoms, and it is usually diagnosed through blood pressure measurement. However, some people may experience symptoms that indicate elevated blood pressure, such as:

1.Frequent Headaches

Headache is one of the most common symptoms. Some patients notice worsening or recurring headaches when they forget or skip their medication, or when their blood pressure is higher than usual.

Headaches related to hypertension can range from mild to severe or throbbing, and they typically occur in the early morning.

2. Dizziness

Dizziness is one of the signs of high blood pressure and should never be ignored, especially if it occurs suddenly or causes loss of balance. You should go to the nearest hospital immediately, as dizziness may be a sign of stroke.

Dizziness may also be a side effect of blood pressure medications, such as:

• Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol)
• Diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine)
• ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril)

3. Blurred Vision

The blood vessels in the eyes are delicate, and over time, high blood pressure can damage the retina, causing blurred or double vision, or even vision loss.

4. Nosebleeds

Occasional nosebleeds can be a symptom of hypertension. Frequent or unexplained nosebleeds may accompany sudden spikes in blood pressure.

5. Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)

Ringing in one or both ears may sometimes indicate high blood pressure. Although tinnitus has many causes, new or worsening tinnitus can be a sign that your blood pressure should be checked.

Complications of High Blood Pressure

Even if high blood pressure causes no noticeable symptoms, it still silently damages the body. If left untreated, it may lead to complications such as:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Angina (chest pain)
• Heart failure
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Peripheral vascular disease

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention

If your blood pressure reading is extremely high — above 180 mmHg systolic or 120 mmHg diastolic — this is called hypertensive crisis, a life-threatening condition that can cause organ damage or stroke.

Do not ignore the symptoms of this hypertensive crisis, which may include:

1. Severe Headache

About 75% of people with hypertensive crisis experience severe headache, often described as a tension-like or throbbing pain around the head rather than one-sided.

Severe headache can also be an early warning sign of stroke. In some cases, it may appear days or even a week before the stroke, though in most cases it develops in less than 60 seconds — survivors describe it as the worst headache of their lives.

2. Chest Pain

Chest pain (angina) occurs in about 48% of people with hypertensive crisis because the heart does not receive enough blood. This may cause pain or a squeezing sensation in the chest, usually on the left side.

3. Vertigo (Spinning Sensation)

Vertigo affects around 44% of people with hypertensive crisis. It is a sensation of movement when you are still, as if you or your surroundings are spinning. Sometimes, vertigo is the only symptom of dangerously high blood pressure.

4. Nausea and Vomiting

About 42% of people with hypertensive crisis experience nausea or vomiting. Elevated blood pressure in the brain’s blood vessels can trigger these symptoms, which may also signal stroke or heart attack.

5. Shortness of Breath

Around 39% of patients experience shortness of breath. High blood pressure can make it difficult for oxygen to reach the heart and lungs, making even light daily activities challenging.

How to Treat High Blood Pressure?

Treatment options include:

1. Medications

Your doctor may try different medications or combinations until finding what works best for you. Common options include:

• Beta-blockers, e.g., propranolol
• Diuretics, e.g., furosemide
• ACE inhibitors, e.g., captopril
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Calcium channel blockers, e.g., amlodipine

2. Treating Secondary Hypertension

If your doctor identifies another medical condition as the cause, they will focus on treating that underlying issue.

For example, if a medication you are taking causes high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe an alternative.

Sometimes, blood pressure remains high even after treating the cause — in such cases, the doctor will help you adjust your lifestyle and prescribe appropriate medications to control your blood pressure.

Common Blood Pressure Medications from Pharmacies

1. Zestril 20 mg

Zestril 20 mg contains lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor that helps relax and widen blood vessels.

2. Dilatrend 6.25 mg

Dilatrend 6.25 mg Contains carvedilol, a beta-blocker with a long duration of action that lowers blood pressure, relaxes blood vessels, and also treats heart failure.

3. Aprolin 25 mg

Aprolin Tablets 25 mg contains hydralazine, which lowers blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, often used alongside other medications.

4. Tabuvan 40 mg

Tabuvan 40Mg Tablets 30 contains valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker that lowers blood pressure and helps treat heart failure.

5. Esidrex 25 mg

Esidrex 25 Mg 20 Tab contains hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that lowers blood pressure and reduces body swelling.

How to Protect Yourself from High Blood Pressure?

In conclusion, several lifestyle changes can help prevent or stabilize high blood pressure, such as:

• Losing excess weight
• Reducing sodium intake to between 1.5–2.3 grams per day (no more than one teaspoon)
• Cutting down on sugar and processed foods
• Eating 4 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables daily
• Choosing nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Regularly monitoring your blood pressure with a home device
• Engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity (e.g., light walking or cycling) for 5 days a week
• Minimizing stress
• Quitting smoking