How can one tell if they have high blood pressure?

Doc Ronnie

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Family Medicine, Primary Care Family Physician MD since 2019 3h

How can one tell if they have high blood pressure?

"Silent but Deadly – Know the Signs of High Blood Pressure"

High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms until it reaches dangerous levels. Many people only find out during a routine checkup or after a health emergency like a stroke or heart attack. So, how do you know if you have it? The best way is to check your blood pressure regularly, but there are also warning signs your body might be giving you.

I once had a patient, a 52-year-old man, who came in for dizziness and fatigue. He had been ignoring his headaches and occasional nosebleeds for months. When we checked his blood pressure, it was 210/120 mmHg—a hypertensive crisis! He was shocked because he felt "fine" most of the time. We started immediate treatment, and luckily, he avoided a stroke or worse.

This is why listening to your body is crucial, even if you don’t think anything is wrong.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

While many people feel no symptoms at all, some experience:

• Throbbing in the ears, neck, or head
• Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
• Dizziness or balance issues—this can be an early sign of a stroke
• Nosebleeds (rare, but more common in hypertensive crises)
• Chest pain or shortness of breath (seek immediate medical help)
• Blurred vision or seeing dark spots
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen (possible kidney damage or heart failure)
• Sudden back pain (potential aneurysm)
• Facial flushing
• Red blood spots in the eyes (common in people with high BP and diabetes)
• Fatigue and weakness

For pregnant women, preeclampsia (sudden high blood pressure and protein in urine) can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Symptoms include:

• Severe headaches
• Vision changes
• Swelling in hands and feet
• Upper stomach pain
• Abrupt weight gain

If preeclampsia worsens, it can lead to eclampsia, which involves seizures and is life-threatening.

What to Do in a Hypertensive Emergency

A hypertensive crisis (BP over 180/120 mmHg) requires immediate action.

First Aid Steps:

1. Stay Calm – Anxiety can worsen blood pressure.
2. Sit in an upright position – Lying down can make symptoms worse.
3. Take deep breaths – This helps slow the heart rate.
4. Check your blood pressure if you have a monitor at home.
5. If experiencing chest pain, confusion, severe headache, or trouble speaking, call 911 immediately!
6. Avoid caffeine or smoking, as both can raise blood pressure further.
7. If prescribed, take your emergency BP medication.
8. Hydrate with water—dehydration can worsen BP.

Preventing High Blood Pressure

• Monitor your BP regularly—at home or with your doctor
• Eat a balanced diet—reduce salt, processed foods, and alcohol
• Exercise regularly—even 30 minutes a day helps
• Manage stress—meditation, deep breathing, and good sleep matter
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
• Quit smoking—tobacco damages blood vessels
• Stay hydrated—water helps regulate BP

Final Thoughts

Hypertension is controllable and preventable. The key is awareness and action. Don’t wait for symptoms—get your BP checked today! If you have risk factors like diabetes, obesity, or a family history of high blood pressure, be extra cautious.

Your health is in your hands, and early detection can save your life!