What are the Symptoms of Rising Blood Pressure?

Rising blood pressure is also referred to as high blood pressure or hypertension, and can occur in anyone. Rising blood pressure is often caused by controllable factors including lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, eating salty foods or inactivity, as well as uncontrollable factors including family history, older age and being male. Symptoms of rising blood pressure often do not show up until damage to the body has already been done. Consider this information about the symptoms of rising blood pressure.

Headaches

• Headaches are a symptom of rising blood pressure, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Rising blood pressure can cause the brain to receive less blood and oxygen, which can result in a headache. A sudden, severe headache may be due to life threatening complications of high blood pressure such as a stroke or brain aneurysm.

Heart Disease

• According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, heart disease is a symptom that results from rising blood pressure that has been left untreated for a long period of time. High blood pressure can cause damage to the arteries in the extremities of the body, which is called peripheral arterial disease. Damage to the aorta and the muscles of the heart itself, which is called coronary heart disease, are also symptoms of high blood pressure that has been uncontrolled.

Neurological Changes

• According to the Mayo Clinic, certain types of neurological changes may be a symptom of rising blood pressure. Dizziness is a symptom of rising blood pressure that may not occur until blood pressure is high enough to be an immediate health threat. Confusion and disorientation are also neurological changes that may occur due to rising or dangerously high blood pressure levels.

Pain

• Pain is a symptom of rising blood pressure, according to the National Library of Medicine. Rising blood pressure may cause chest pain, which may be a sign of a medical emergency if it develops suddenly or is severe. High blood pressure can also cause problems with cramping of muscles in the legs or abdomen during physical activities such as walking or climbing stairs.

Tiredness

• Tiredness is a symptom of rising blood pressure, according to the National Library of Medicine. The body's muscles may not receive enough oxygen or nutrients to function well, which can cause physical fatigue. Damage to organs such as the kidneys that results from rising blood pressure can also be a cause of tiredness.

Vision Problems

• Vision changes or problems may be a symptom of rising blood pressure, according to the National Library of Medicine. Blood pressure that rises to greater than 140/90 mmHg can damage the eye's optic nerve or blood vessels. Damage to the optic nerve can lead to eye disorders such as glaucoma, which can result in partial or complete loss of vision if left untreated.