Signs of Hypertention

Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, is a serious medical condition where the blood pressure in your arteries remains at a chronically elevated level. Hypertension that is not controlled can cause damage to the kidneys, heart, and large and small blood vessels throughout the entire body. Some people suffering from this condition have no symptoms, while others have an array of signs. If left untreated it can lead to a heart attack or stroke, so knowing the symptoms of hypertension can save your life.

Headache

• Headaches can be a sign of hypertension. Some people may brush off a headache as nothing to worry about since they are fairly commonplace for a variety of reasons. If you have chronic headaches, or an extreme headache, then you might want to have your blood pressure checked for hypertension.

Dizziness

• Dizziness can be a sign of a severe case of hypertension. Seek medical attention if you are dizzy and ask the physician to check for hypertension. Your local fire department can also check your blood pressure and usually does not charge a fee for this service.

Papilloedema

• Upon examination of the retina of the eye, abnormalities may be found which point to hypertension. The changes in the retinal arteries are divided up into four different categories, the most common is a sign of hypertension called papilloedema. It is the swelling of the optic nerve head, usually accompanied by compression of the optic nerve head as well, due to the high levels of blood pressure. If you visit an optometrist for any reason he will routinely check for this condition.