Generally, high blood pressure does not cause any symptoms. If a person does experience symptoms, they may include headaches, dizziness, and sleep issues.
Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries as it goes around a person’s body. Sometimes, it can become too high, which can be dangerous.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
In this article, we explore the myths surrounding high blood pressure symptoms. We also discuss when to see a doctor and how to manage hypertension.
Most of the time, high blood pressure has no symptoms. It is
Symptoms people may think are due to high blood pressure include:
- headaches
- difficulty sleeping
- nosebleeds
- sweating
- facial flushing
- nervousness
- blood spots in the eyes
- dizziness
However, these symptoms may not be due to high blood pressure, and anyone experiencing them should speak to a doctor as they may also be signs of other health conditions or side effects of medications.
Measuring blood pressure
People cannot rely on only physical symptoms to alert them of high blood pressure. To diagnose or monitor hypertension, a person should measure their blood pressure regularly.
A person can measure their blood pressure at home.
Blood pressure readings are in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The top number (systolic) indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart beats. The lower number (diastolic) indicates the pressure as the heart rests between beats.
As long as a person measures their blood pressure correctly, the results are just as reliable as a doctor’s measurement.
The following table from the
| Normal blood pressure | Elevated blood pressure | Stage 1 hypertension | Stage 2 hypertension | Hypertensive crisis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systolic blood pressure | less than 120 mm Hg | 120–129 mm Hg | 130–139 mm Hg | 140 mm Hg or higher | 180 mm Hg or higher |
| Diastolic blood pressure | less than 80 mm Hg | less than 80 mm Hg | 80–89 mm Hg | 90 mm Hg or higher | 120 mm Hg or higher |
Researchers have shown a clear relationship between higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
In an
Another
- increased risk of cardiovascular disease incidence
- angina
- heart attack
- heart failure
- stroke
- peripheral arterial disease
- abdominal aortic aneurysm
Although high blood pressure does not usually cause symptoms, anyone experiencing a sudden, severe headache or nosebleed should check their blood pressure.
If their blood pressure is above 180/120 mm Hg, they should stay rested for
If a person is experiencing severe symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or visual difficulty, they need to call 911 for emergency medical treatment as they may be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.
Medications to reduce blood pressure
Genetics
According to the
A
Lifestyle factors
The following environmental factors
- Excessive salt intake: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends that people consume no more than
2.3 grams (g) of sodium per day.
- Low potassium intake: Potassium helps the body remove sodium. The AHA recommends a person consume
3,400 milligrams (mg) per day for men and 2,600 mg for women. - Weight: According to a
2023 review and meta analysis , weight loss in people with overweight results in lower blood pressure compared to not losing weight. On average, systolic blood pressure decreased by about 2.6 mmHg after 6-12 months of weight loss, while diastolic blood pressure decreased by about 2.0 mmHg.
- Exercise: Both aerobic and resistance exercises are proven
to reduce blood pressure.
Since there is a strong connection between environmental factors and blood pressure, healthcare professionals have been promoting hypertension prevention.
The
- eating a well-balanced diet low in salt
- limiting alcohol intake
- enjoying regular physical activity
- managing stress
- maintaining a healthy weight
- quitting tobacco smoking
A healthy diet for the heart
- fruits
- vegetables
- whole grains
- low fat dairy products
- skinless poultry and fish
- nuts and legumes
- non-tropical vegetable oils
People who follow a healthy diet to prevent hypertension and cardiovascular disease should also avoid or limit:
- saturated and trans fats
- sodium
- red meat
- sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages
People who eat well, stop smoking, lower their stress, and exercise regularly may see benefits in their general health.
The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
Below are some commonly asked questions about what high blood pressure feels like.
How does a person feel when their blood pressure is high?
Generally speaking, a person with high blood pressure will not feel any different or experience symptoms.
However, in rare cases, when a person’s blood pressure is dangerously high, it
This is known as a hypertensive crisis and can lead to a medical emergency, so a person must seek immediate care.
What are the symptoms of very high blood pressure?
When a person experiences sudden, very high blood pressure, with readings of
The symptoms of this include:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- back pain
- weakness
- confusion
- dizziness
- vomiting
If a person is experiencing these symptoms, they should call 911.
What hurts when you have high blood pressure?
High blood pressure itself typically doesn’t cause pain. In fact, it’s often called the “silent killer” because it can damage a person’s body without causing noticeable symptoms.
However, high blood pressure can
Doctors and health professionals often refer to high blood pressure as a silent killer, and it is a risk factor associated with cardiovascular disease.
People who have high blood pressure may not experience any physical symptoms and may not be aware that their blood pressure is high.
During a hypertensive crisis, people with a blood pressure above 180/120 mm Hg may experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, blurry vision, headache, or nosebleed.
People experiencing a hypertensive crisis require emergency medical attention.
The most reliable way to detect high blood pressure is by regularly checking blood pressure measurements.