The Signs & Symptoms of High Blood Pressure: Headaches

Sufferers of both high blood pressure and headaches may blame the latter on the former, but the connection between the two is actually weak to nonexistent. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, may even reduce headaches in its sufferers---it causes them only in the most extreme cases, which require immediate medical attention.

History

• The belief that hypertension causes headaches may be traced back to the early 1900s, when doctors assumed that the two were connected. Modern science, however, indicates that this is not the case---hypertension sufferers tested in one study were 40 percent less likely to experience headaches than people with normal blood pressure.

Indirect Relationship

• Other studies have shown that hypertension may be linked to headaches, but indirectly. In one study, hypertension sufferers were less likely to complain of headaches if they were unaware of their condition; those who knew that they had hypertension were more likely to develop headaches. This suggests that being aware of hypertension may cause the stress and worry that lead to headaches.
  Chronic muscle tension, particularly in the neck muscles, may also cause headaches---individuals with hypertension may experience physical manifestations of stress such as the muscle tension that causes headaches.

Morning Headaches

• According to the University of Michigan Health System, extremely high blood pressure can generate symptoms like dizziness, nosebleeds and fatigue. Among these symptoms is morning headache, which can occur near the back of the head---these symptoms are uncommon, however, and may also indicate other conditions.

Malignant Hypertension

• These rare cases of hypertension symptoms---such as headaches---may be a symptom of malignant hypertension, which is a serious condition. Though high blood pressure is never particularly safe, malignant hypertension is the condition in which blood pressure is dangerously high. It affects about one percent of people who suffer from hypertension. It is generally the only high-blood-pressure condition that causes headaches and requires immediate medical attention. If not treated soon after symptoms present, it can damage the victim's organs to a life-threatening extent. Unlike normal hypertension, which can be treated and managed with prescription medication, malignant hypertension requires hospital care until blood pressure has decreased to a safe level.