Introduction
Headaches are among the most common health complaints in the world. But when a headache hits, particularly if it’s severe, some wonder: Could it be high blood pressure? The relationship between high blood pressure and headaches is a complicated one. In this blog, we’ll uncover the truth about our weight—science-based facts, obesity myths, expert advice, and valuable health information.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure In high blood pressure, also called hypertension, the pressure on the arteries is too high. It’s frequently called the “silent killer” because it tends to have no outward symptoms — until it leads to serious health problems, like stroke, heart attack or kidney failure.
Healthy blood pressure
Lower than 120/80 mm Hg
High: 120–129 systolic and 80 or higher diastolic
Stage 1 Hypertension: 130 – 139 systolic or 80 – 89 diastolic
Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/90+ mm Hg. If either of the numbers is higher, you have high blood pressure.
Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180/120 mm Hg (seek immediate medical attention)
Is a Headache a Sign of High Blood Pressure?
Yes, but not always.
For the most part, however, people with high blood pressure do not get headaches unless they are experiencing a hypertension crisis (where the blood pressure is so high that it can cause some organ damage). When it does, it has the potential to cause what’s called a hypertensive crisis — a medical emergency that can include symptoms such as:
Severe, pulsating headache
Blurred vision
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Nosebleeds
Nausea or vomiting
Confusion or seizures
These headaches tend to affect the whole head on both sides and feel like pounding or squeezing pain, which may become worse with physical activity.
What Does Research Say?
His research findings, however, have been mixed:
High blood pressure can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, causing brain swelling and pressure — which can cause severe headaches, a study in the Iranian Journal of Neurology reports.
On the other hand, a 30-year study published in the American Journal of Hypertension saw no clear relationship between frequent headaches and chronic high blood pressure.
So what’s the takeaway? Though very high blood pressure may cause headaches, most normal headaches are likely attributable to other causes, such as:
Tension and stress
Dehydration
Lack of sleep
Eye strain
Headaches That Are a Symptom of High Blood Pressure
Let’s consider different kinds of headaches that may indicate a blood pressure problem:
Hypertensive Headaches
These occur in the context of a hypertensive crisis. The pain is intense, typically a pressure or throbbing sensation. It tends to begin in the morning, and it comes with other symptoms, such as blurred vision or shortness of breath.
Occipital Headaches
Pain in the back of your head (occipital headaches) can be associated with high blood pressure, but if this is the case, you’d also likely have neck pain and your head would hurt when you move it, and you may have dizziness as well.
Morning Headaches
Waking up with a headache might be related to high blood pressure during the night, but it also could be due to poor sleep (or sleep of low quality) or sleep apnea — a common cause of high blood pressure.
Other High Blood Pressure Symptoms
As high blood pressure is typically symptomless, it’s important to know danger signs and take precautions, especially in a hypertensive emergency:
Severe headache
Facial flushing
Dizziness
Chest tightness
Nosebleeds
Trouble speaking or slight changes in a person’s vision
Tingling or numbness
When to Contact a Medical Professional
If your blood pressure ever hits 180/120 mm Hg or above and you feel that is not an error — and you are experiencing symptoms such as a severe headache, confusion, chest pain or shortness of breath — call 911 immediately. This condition is a hypertensive emergency and may result in:
Stroke
Seizures
Heart attack
Organ failure
Brain swelling
Do not try to reduce blood pressure at home abruptly. Abrupt declines can impair your brain’s blood supply and compound the damage.
How to Lower BP Naturally
You can manage high blood pressure naturally with these tips:
Keeping blood pressure-related headaches at bay takes managing your blood pressure into your own hands. Here are evidence-based lifestyle strategies:
Monitor Your Blood Pressure
Maintain a blood pressure monitor in the home and check the readings regularly.
Reduce Salt Intake
Too much salt can increase your blood pressure. By nadineromoian, you know salt can increase your blood pressure. Keep it under 2,300 mg/day or 1,500 mg if you have hypertension.
Exercise Regularly
Strive for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week.
Manage Stress
Find a way to stay calm, whether practising mindfulness or deep breathing, doing yoga or guided meditation.
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
Adopt the DASH diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
Be Moderate on Alcohol and Give up Smoking
Either can elevate your blood pressure and contribute to making your headaches worse.
Final Thoughts
High blood pressure isn’t usually accompanied by signs or symptoms, but when it is, it is a life-threatening crisis. The key is to know the warning signs, watch your health, and take steps toward a lifestyle that will keep your blood pressure down for the long haul.
If you have headaches all the time and think you have high blood pressure, don’t ignore it. Talk to your healthcare provider, monitor your blood pressure, and do what you can to keep your heart and head in the right place.