High Blood Pressure Symptoms: Facts You Need to Know

High blood pressure affects millions of people and is one of the main factors behind heart disease. Learn about high blood pressure symptoms and how it affects you.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the leading factors in developing cardiovascular disease – and millions of people have it. However, when it comes to determining if you have high blood pressure on your own, it can get tricky.

The reason is because most of the time, people do not experience any symptoms. There are myths surrounding hypertension symptoms, such as people experiencing nervousness, difficulty sleeping, sweating, and more.

Nevertheless, hypertension mostly has no symptoms, which is why it’s nicknamed “the silent killer.” Many people ignore their blood pressure, thinking they will experience a symptom that gives them a warning ahead of time before things get worse.

Unfortunately, this is mostly a myth, which is why you need to stay on top of your health even when you don’t feel ill.

AHA Recommendations

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that you do not attempt to diagnose yourself. Instead, get regular check-ups by a healthcare professional and take note of your blood pressure levels.

They also recommend that you know your general blood pressure levels and that you become proactive about protecting your health.

Myths About Hypertension

Some people believe that high blood pressure causes headaches and nosebleeds, so they use this as an indicator. However, according to the evidence, this is not generally the case; the only exception is when people experience a hypertensive crisis.

A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency where blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or higher. To keep it in perspective, a normal range should be at less than 120/80 mm Hg, while first stage hypertension is 130-139/80-89 mm Hg.

If you experience headaches or nosebleeds and unusually high blood pressure at the same time, wait five minutes before retesting. If the readings remain at hypertensive crisis levels, it’s time to call 911.

However, if you are simply experiencing headaches or nosebleeds but have relatively normal blood pressure readings, then contact your doctor. These may be signs of another condition.

Other Myths Dispelled

Some symptoms may be indirectly associated with hypertension. However, these symptoms are not always a result of high blood pressure. These symptoms include blood spots in the eyes, facial flushing, and dizziness.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage, or blood spots in the eyes, are common in people with high blood pressure or diabetes. However, neither of these conditions causes blood spots.

If you experience blood spots in the eye, an eye doctor will be able to detect any damage done to the optic nerve by untreated hypertension.

Facial flushing happens when blood vessels in the face dilate and can arise unpredictably. Moreover, it can also happen as a response to cold weather, hot drinks, sun exposure, spicy foods, the wind, skin-care products, and other triggers.

Hypertension does not cause facial flushing, but it may happen while you experience episodes of hypertension.

Feeling dizzy can happen as a result of taking certain blood pressure medications, but like the other symptoms, it is not caused by hypertension. However, keep an eye out for dizzy spells, specially those that come on suddenly as they may be warning signs of a stroke.

How to Improve Blood Pressure

The best way to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and improve hypertension is to lead a healthy life. Be more active and exercise on a regular basis, even if it means simply walking for 20 minutes a day.

Start eating healthy and avoid foods such as processed foods, which spike your blood pressure levels. Lastly, you can incorporate circulation supplements such as L-arginine Plus into your daily routine.

L-arginine Plus contains a powerful ingredient (l-arginine) and combines it with other key vitamins and minerals to provide the best circulation support. These ingredients work to increase nitric oxide production, which dilates blood vessels and promotes healthy blood flow throughout the body.

If you want to experience better blood pressure levels, circulation, energy levels, and a healthier heart, try exercise, a healthy diet and L-arginine Plus.