Is Ringing in the Ears a Sign of High Blood Pressure?

Clinically known as hypertension, many call high blood pressure the silent killer. Roughly one third of people with high blood pressure do not know it. Hypertension has a number of symptoms that present themselves in some cases, ringing in the ears, clinically known as tinnitus, is a rare but possible symptom of hypertension.

Tinnitus

• Tinnitus is a sound heard by the individual that has no external source. Tinnitus can be short term or last for long periods of time. In mild cases patients hear ringing only in quiet surroundings. Patients with more severe cases hear ringing in all conditions.

Causes of Tinnitus

• Common causes for Tinnitus is include ear problems, such as an ear infection, foreign material in the ears or injuries. Other causes consist of caffeine, alcohol or illegal drug use. Stress also plays a part in the severity of tinnitus. According to the website healthline.com it is occasionally a symptom of allergies, anemia or high blood pressure.

Hypertension

• Most people have no symptoms of high blood pressure. Detection occurs during routine medical exams or as part of the medical workup done during an exam for other disorders.

Malignant Hypertension

• The definition of malignant hypertension is high blood pressure where the lower number, diastolic blood pressure, is greater than 140 mm Hg. It is associated with headache nausea and light-headedness. It can damage the heart, kidneys and brains.

Seek Medical Assistance If

• Seek medical assistance immediately if ringing of the ears persists, becomes worse or is accompanied by light-headedness, nausea or dizziness. The doctor will run tests to diagnose the problem.