Hypertension warning signs your heart may be at risk

TL;DR: Hypertension is silent and sneaky. The World Health Organization puts it at around 30% of the adult population worldwide. Most of the time it only shows up in a blood pressure reading, but sudden spikes come with specific warning signs: dizziness, headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, ringing ears, blurry vision, neck pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you notice them, call a doctor.

Silent and sneaky, hypertension affects around 30% of the adult population worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Known as high blood pressure, it is one of the high-risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, like heart attack and strokes.

But the issue is that most times hypertension is only noticed through the frequent measuring of blood pressure. When the body starts giving signs, you have already developed the problem.

Does hypertension actually have symptoms?

According to the experts, hypertension doesn’t have symptoms. All the things you feel result from the damages caused to the organs. However, there is an exception: the sudden spikes in blood pressure. When these spikes happen, we have some specific symptoms that need to be medicated quickly to avoid the risk of heart attack or stroke.

What signs point to a hypertensive crisis?

Do you know what signs suggest hypertension or sudden spikes in your blood pressure? Pay attention to these signs since they can indicate a hypertensive crisis: dizziness, headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, ringing in the ears, blurry vision, neck pain, nausea, and vomiting.

These symptoms usually appear when the disease is advanced, so it is better to seek a doctor whenever your blood pressure is equal to or over 13/8, especially without apparent reason.

Why do these signs happen?

These signs are due to what we call “target organs damage.” The experts explain that shortness of breath and chest pain result from the left ventricular hypertrophy and a reduction in the coronary circulation, which can evolve into arrhythmia, acute pulmonary edema, heart insufficiency, and acute myocardial infarction.

Headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and blurry vision are related to the physiological contraction of big brain blood vessels as a response to the increase in blood pressure and oozing liquids, which results in a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

Don’t ignore these symptoms when you notice them, as an early diagnosis is key. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the fewer injuries you will have.

What to do when you feel sick due to hypertension

The best thing to do if you are dealing with an acute crisis or a chronic issue that affects the target organs is to remain calm and seek medical help as soon as you notice any symptoms. Your doctor will probably ask for some exams, like blood and kidney tests and an EKG, to find the cause of your hypertension.

Don’t make things easy for hypertension. The more you take care of yourself, and the sooner you get a diagnosis, the better your quality of life during the treatment will be.

How to prevent hypertension day to day

The best way of preventing hypertension is to have a healthy lifestyle.

• Have a balanced diet with moderated salt consumption.
• Avoid being overweight.
• Exercise regularly, 3 to 5 days a week.
• Avoid exaggerated alcohol consumption.

Frequently asked questions

Does hypertension have symptoms?

According to the experts, hypertension doesn’t have symptoms. All the things you feel result from the damages caused to the organs. The exception is sudden spikes in blood pressure, which do come with specific symptoms.

What are the signs of a blood pressure spike?

Dizziness, headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, ringing in the ears, blurry vision, neck pain, nausea, and vomiting. These can indicate a hypertensive crisis and need to be medicated quickly.

When should you see a doctor?

Seek a doctor whenever your blood pressure is equal to or over 13/8, especially without apparent reason. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the fewer injuries you will have.

How common is hypertension?

Hypertension affects around 30% of the adult population worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

How do you prevent hypertension?

Have a balanced diet with moderated salt consumption, avoid being overweight, exercise regularly (3 to 5 days a week), and avoid exaggerated alcohol consumption.