High BP Symptoms

High blood pressure (BP) is also referred to as hypertension. When BP remains consistently high, instead of rising and falling throughout the course of the day, heart attack, stroke or organ damage can result. The American Heart Association estimates that approximately one out of every three adult Americans has high blood pressure, many of them not even aware that they have the condition. In most cases, high blood pressure produces no symptoms. But when the body does begin to show signs of hypertension the symptoms are often vague.

What is Blood Pressure?

• Blood pressure is given in two measurements: systolic and diastolic. The first number is the systolic reading, describing the blood pressure when the heart is performing a contraction. The second number after the forward slash is the diastolic reading, which refers to the blood pressure of the resting heart. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute reports that blood pressure is considered high when it reaches 140/90 mmHg. The abbreviation mmHg stands for millimeters of mercury, a unit of pressure.

Common Symptoms

• Headaches are commonly associated with high blood pressure along with nose bleeds, dizziness and nausea. At times blurred vision may develop, which comes and goes. It is important to note that although these symptoms do appear in people who are diagnosed with high blood pressure, they are not exclusive to the condition. In fact, Merck Manual explains that these symptoms can also manifest in patients that have normal blood pressure readings.

Hypertensive Encephalopathy

• The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center reveals that high blood pressure that is left untreated can cause a severe array of symptoms that are known as hypertension encephalopathy. The hypertension encephalopathy condition manifests as a result of brain damage that result in symptoms of brain swelling and severe headaches. Shortness of breath, confusion, seizure, visual disturbances and fatigue can also occur as well as coma.

BP and Hormones

• Sometimes patients remain unaware of their high blood pressure until symptoms begin to arise that also affect other areas of the body. For instance, high blood pressure can run hand in hand with an increase in hormone production. According to Endocrinweb.com, an excess production of adrenaline hormones can exacerbate high blood pressure symptoms. The result can be anxiety, excessive sweating, tremor, increase in heart rate and paleness.

Prevention/Solution

• The symptoms that are associated with high blood pressure can best be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that as little as 30 minutes of physical exercise per day can be helpful in lowering high blood pressure. Weight control, eating healthy foods and steering clear of smoking and alcohol is also helpful. If symptoms continue to occur, and blood pressure remains high despite lifestyle changes, medications may be necessary.