Warning signs of high blood pressure you need to know
High blood pressure is a cause of heart attacks, strokes, and even death, yet it often has no noticeable symptoms. Therefore, it is also known as the "silent killer."
According to doctors at Tuyen Quang Provincial General Hospital, the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is through regular blood pressure checks. This is especially important if you have a family member who also suffers from high blood pressure.
If your blood pressure is high, you may notice some of the following signs:
- Headache.
- Nosebleeds.
- Blood spots in the eye or conjunctival hemorrhage.
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Heart attack.
Many people may have high blood pressure without even knowing it. Photo: N. Phuong
Additionally, blood pressure can rise without any symptoms. Similarly, according toMayo ClinicMost people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, even when their blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels. You can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms.
Some people with high blood pressure may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds. However, these symptoms are not specific. They usually don't appear until high blood pressure reaches a severe or life-threatening stage.
Therefore, doctors advise that when experiencing any of the above symptoms, especially those accompanied by high blood pressure, patients should remain calm, lie down or sit in a quiet place, and avoid sudden movements and changes in posture.
At the same time, do not self-medicate; you should go to a medical facility for examination as soon as possible. While waiting, you can re-measure your blood pressure after 15-30 minutes.
When should you see a doctor?
Checking your blood pressure is an important part of overall healthcare. How often you should have your blood pressure checked depends on your age and overall health. Starting at age 18, measure your blood pressure at least every two years. If you are 40 or older, or between the ages of 18 and 39 and are at high risk for high blood pressure, have it checked annually.
Your doctor may recommend that you have your blood pressure checked more frequently if you have high blood pressure or other risk factors for heart disease. Children 3 years of age and older may have their blood pressure measured as part of their annual health checkup.
Who is at risk of developing high blood pressure?
High blood pressure has many risk factors, including:
- Year old:The risk of high blood pressure increases with age. Until around age 64, high blood pressure is more common in men. Women are more likely to develop high blood pressure after age 65.
- Family history:You are more likely to have high blood pressure if you have a parent or sibling who has the condition.
- Obesity or being overweight:Excessive weight causes changes in blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. These changes often lead to increased blood pressure. Being overweight or obese also increases the risk of heart disease and risk factors for the disease, such as high cholesterol.
- Lack of exercise:Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain. Increased weight increases the risk of high blood pressure. Inactive people also tend to have higher heart rates.
- Using traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes:Smoking immediately increases blood pressure in the short term. Smoking also damages the walls of blood vessels and accelerates the process of atherosclerosis.
- Too much salt:Too much salt in the body can cause water retention. This increases blood pressure.
- Low potassium levels:Potassium helps balance the salt levels in the body's cells. Proper potassium balance is crucial for good cardiovascular health. Low potassium levels can be caused by a potassium-deficient diet or certain health conditions, including dehydration.
- Drinking too much alcohol:Alcohol use is associated with increased blood pressure, particularly in men.
- StressHigh stress levels can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure. Stress-related habits such as overeating, smoking, or drinking alcohol can further increase blood pressure.
- Certain chronic diseases:Kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea are some conditions that can lead to high blood pressure.
- Pregnancy:Sometimes pregnancy causes high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is most common in adults. But children can also have high blood pressure. High blood pressure in children can be caused by kidney or heart problems. However, nowadays, an increasing number of children have high blood pressure due to lifestyle habits such as unhealthy diets and lack of exercise.
