Medical experts are highlighting a common yet often overlooked symptom that could point to a dangerous, silent condition affecting a quarter of UK adults: frequent nosebleeds.
The Link Between Nosebleeds and Hypertension
High blood pressure, or hypertension, forces the heart to work much harder to pump blood around the body. This extra strain can damage organs over time and is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Crucially, it typically presents no obvious symptoms, earning its reputation as a 'silent killer'.
However, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) notes that in rare cases, symptoms can appear. 'Rarely, it can cause symptoms like blurred vision, headaches and nosebleeds,' the charity states. The connection between hypertension and nosebleeds remains a topic of debate in medical circles, but evidence is growing.
What Does the Research Say?
A significant 2020 study published in JAMA Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery provides compelling data. Researchers followed 35,749 participants with an average age of 52 who had hypertension, comparing them to a similar number without the condition over 14 years.
The findings were striking. The study revealed that people with high blood pressure had a 47 per cent higher risk of experiencing spontaneous nosebleeds (those not caused by injury or illness). Furthermore, their episodes tended to be more severe, and they were 2.7 times more likely to require emergency department treatment for the bleeding.
Medical experts suggest that while hypertension alone may not directly cause every nosebleed, it can weaken and damage the delicate blood vessels inside the nose, making bleeding more likely and more serious when it does occur.
Why This Warning Matters for Brits
With an estimated one in four UK adults living with raised blood pressure, awareness of potential signs is vital. The BHF strongly emphasises regular checks, as most people are unaware they have the condition.
'Most people don't know they have high blood pressure because there aren't obvious symptoms. That's why it's so important to get your blood pressure checked regularly,' a BHF spokesperson advises.
Other possible indicators of elevated blood pressure include persistent headaches and problems with vision. If you experience frequent or severe nosebleeds, especially alongside other symptoms, or if you have concerns about your blood pressure, it is crucial to speak to your GP for advice and possible screening.
