6 hypertension symptoms that require immediate attention
Hypertension occurs when one’s blood pressure rises to higher than normal levels. The pressure of blood fluctuates throughout the day based on the activities one indulges in. But when one develops hypertension, they risk suffering from severe health complications like a heart attack, stroke, and even heart disease. Therefore, it is important to learn about the symptoms of high blood pressure so that one may seek treatment at the earliest.
Severe headaches
A spike in blood pressure may trigger unbearable headaches. Severe headaches might also be accompanied by other symptoms like perspiration, anxiety, confusion, and palpitations.
Atrial fibrillation
Hypertension may cause the heart to push excessive blood to different organs of the body, including the brain. However, too much force may damage the arteries and cause them to weaken. A weakened artery may become blocked by a clot or plaque buildup, which could increase the risk of atrial fibrillation — an irregular heart rhythm that could lead to blood clots in the heart, and put one at risk of stroke.
Breathing difficulties
High blood pressure may result in the lack of oxygenated blood moving from the heart to the lungs through the pulmonary arteries. Therefore, an individual may develop pulmonary hypertension and suffer from symptoms like shortness of breath and pain in the chest.
Vision changes
Chronic high blood pressure may restrict the flow of blood into the eyes through the blood vessels. The lack of a proper blood flow may cause the buildup of fluid under the retina, which could interfere with the ability to see clearly. Severe hypertension may also result in complete loss of vision. Studies also indicate that people may experience tinnitus (buzzing in the ears) when their blood pressure rises.
Sudden dizziness
High blood pressure may also restrict the amount of oxygen carried in the blood to the brain. When this happens, one may feel dizzy suddenly or slightly off balance. These signs could indicate the onset of a stroke triggered by high blood pressure.
Nosebleeds
The rise in pressure may cause the blood vessels in the nose to become more vulnerable to damage. As a result, one may experience nosebleeds when they suffer from high blood pressure.
