What Does a Blood Pressure Headache Feel Like?

High blood pressure often presents in the form of a dull headache that prompts many people to seek medical advice.

Headaches

• According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, headaches are the most common form of pain. Finding the cause of the headache is the first step in treatment and prevention. High blood pressure, for example, is a common headache cause.

Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, has many causes. Genetics plays a role, as does diet, pregnancy, and medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism and pregnancy, according to the Headache-Advisor website. If you are experiencing chronic, dull and pressure-like headaches, hypertension may be the cause. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, most commonly causes dizziness and fainting, without the presence of a headache.

Pain

• The pain associated with a headache caused from increased blood pressure feels much like pressure itself, with the headache pressure worsening as the blood pressure rises. The pain feels dull and constant, and usually spreads across the entire head. Different from a migraine, a hypertension headache lacks light and sound sensitivity, as well as nausea symptoms.

Treatment

• The treatment for blood pressure headaches begins with identifying the cause of the hypertension and resolving it. This includes diet and exercise, minimizing salt intake and, in some cases, medication.

Warning

• A thunderclap headache is sometimes associated with high blood pressure and needs immediate medical attention. A thunderclap headache comes on extremely quick, with the pain peaking in as soon as 60 seconds and lingering for up to 10 days. A thunderclap headache acts as a warning to potential life-threatening conditions.