7 Symptoms of Hypertension You Shouldn't Ignore

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often referred to as the silent killer because it can go undetected for so long. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), you have hypertension if your systolic blood pressure (the top number in the reading) measures between 130 and 139 or your diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) measures between 80 and 89 while you are resting. If you have any of the following seven symptoms of hypertension, see your doctor right away to talk about treatment options that can lower your blood pressure and keep you healthy and happy.

1) High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that affects the lives of one in three adults in the United States. More than 80 million Americans have high blood pressure and don't even know it. High blood pressure increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, aneurysms, and kidney disease. Without treatment, high blood pressure can lead to blindness, impotence, and death. Fortunately, most people with high blood pressure are able to reduce their risk by making changes in their diet, lifestyle and medication.

2) Headaches

While headaches themselves are not a symptom of high blood pressure, they can be an indicator that there is something wrong. This is because when the blood vessels in the brain are narrowed and blood flow is reduced, the brain gets less oxygen. As a result, some people experience headaches as a result of reduced oxygen to the brain. These headaches may or may not be severe and don't necessarily require treatment, but it's important to note that if you have high blood pressure you should speak to your doctor about whether or not this could be a cause.

3) Shortness of Breath

When you are short of breath, you will often feel like you are not getting enough air. This can be a symptom that is caused by many different factors. For example, it may mean that your heart rate is too high or that your blood pressure is too high. Shortness of breath can also be a sign that there is something physically wrong with your lungs, such as asthma or pneumonia.

4) Dizziness

Hypertension is a disease that affects the heart and brain. It's often defined as blood pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg, but at times it can be 140/70 mmHg or 130/80 mmHg. Dizziness is one possible symptom that many people with high blood pressure experience. If you experience dizziness when you're laying down, standing up, or sitting still, it's important to see your physician.

5) Heart Palpitations

Some people may experience heart palpitations as a result of stress, but it's important to be aware that this is just one symptom of hypertension. It can also occur when you're suffering from a panic attack or other psychological condition. Other symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, and headaches. If you think your palpitations might be caused by something else, see your doctor for an examination and diagnosis.

6) Chest Pain/Pains

Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms of hypertension. Chest pain can be divided into two categories: non-anginal chest pain and angina. Non-anginal chest pain usually occurs at rest or with light exercise, lasts only a few minutes and doesn't improve with nitroglycerin. Angina is also a symptom of hypertension and is more severe in nature than non-anginal chest pain; it typically manifests as a pressure or burning sensation in the chest, neck, jaw, arm or back that may radiate up to the head.

7) Loss of Consciousness

Losing consciousness is a scary experience, and it's not always associated with serious health issues. However, if you're on blood pressure medication or have risk factors for heart disease or high blood pressure, it could be a sign that your medication isn't working or that something else is going on. If you experience any of the following symptoms,then these are hypertension symptoms you should seek medical attention: 

1. Disorientation (feeling as though you are in a fog)

 2. Dizziness

 3. Blurred Vision

 4. Drowsiness

 5. Shortness of Breath 

6. Nausea 

7. Loss of Consciousness