We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Symptoms of Hypertension?

Deanna Baranyi
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,886
Share

The symptoms of hypertension vary from person to person. Some people who suffer from high blood pressure, also called hypertension, exhibit no symptoms at all, causing hypertension to be called the "silent killer." In the alternative, other people experience one or more physical symptoms of hypertension, such as headaches, blurry vision, nosebleeds, confusion, chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, and problems breathing. Only if a person checks her blood pressure frequently will she know whether she is affected by the potentially fatal disease.

Hypertension occurs when there is a high level of pressure within the arteries. The arteries transport blood from the heart to the organs and tissues in the body. The blood pressure reading is divided between the diastolic and systolic readings. These numbers indicate the pressure of blood against the artery walls when the heart is pumping and when it is relaxed.

There are certain markers that a medical professional observes when considering whether or not a person has hypertension. A person’s blood pressure is considered normal if it is below 120/80. If the person’s blood pressure ranges between 120/80 and 139/89, the person is diagnosed with pre-hypertension. If the person’s blood pressure is above 140/90, she is thought to have hypertension. When someone’s blood pressure is high, they may experience some symptoms of hypertension, including increased nosebleeds, dizziness, blurred vision and headaches.

If a person’s blood pressure reaches levels of 180/110 or higher, she is thought to be in hypertensive crisis. In that case, there are some telling symptoms that are quite indicative of a crisis. For example, some people may experience severe headaches, shortness of breath, severe anxiety, or nosebleeds. Emergency care should be sought immediately in those instances. If left untreated, the person may have a stroke, lose consciousness, have a heart attack, or experience damage to the kidneys, eyes, or other organs.

Since so many people are affected by hypertension with absolutely no symptoms, most researchers, scientists, and medical professionals believe that people should not rely on the symptoms of hypertension to decide whether they are affected. In fact, many doctors term such symptoms as mythical symptoms.

The only accurate indication that a person is free from hypertension is a regular blood pressure testing. However, if a person experiences any of the symptoms of hypertension, those symptoms should not be ignored. Regular check-ups and open communication with a skilled medical professional are both great ways to keep hypertension at bay or under control.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Deanna Baranyi
By Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi, a freelance writer and editor with a passion for the written word, brings a diverse skill set to her work. With degrees in relevant fields and a keen ability to understand and connect with target audiences, she crafts compelling copy, articles, and content that inform and engage readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi, a freelance writer and editor with a passion for the written word, brings a diverse skill set to her...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-symptoms-of-hypertension.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.