High Blood Pressure: Symptoms and Warning Signs

Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects over 1.3 billion adults globally and is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. It is called the 'silent killer' because most people have no symptoms until blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels or causes organ damage.

When symptoms do occur, they often include: morning headaches (particularly at the back of the head), dizziness or lightheadedness, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, chest pain, visual disturbances, and palpitations. These symptoms are non-specific and may only appear at very high readings (hypertensive crisis: > 180/120 mmHg).

See also: Blood Clots: Prevention, Symptoms and Treatment

Regular blood pressure monitoring is the only reliable way to detect hypertension. Normal is < 120/80 mmHg. Stage 1 hypertension is 130–139/80–89 mmHg. Stage 2 is ≥ 140/90 mmHg. Hypertensive crisis (> 180/120) with symptoms like chest pain, severe headache, vision changes, or confusion requires immediate emergency care.

Lifestyle modifications that reduce blood pressure include: DASH diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy), sodium restriction to < 2.3 g/day, weight loss, regular aerobic exercise (30 minutes most days), limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking. These measures can lower systolic blood pressure by 5–15 mmHg in many patients.

See also: Stroke Warning Signs: Act FAST