5 Warning Signs of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure earns its notorious 'silent killer' label from its near-total absence of symptoms until matters turn severe. Left untreated, it can heighten your risk of serious ailments, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.
Damien, an advanced nurse practitioner, shared on TikTok (@Anpdamo) five warning signs that this 'silent killer' is taking control of your well-being. Symptoms require a discussion with a medical professional, who can properly diagnose the condition and explore if treatment is needed.
He said: 'Most people with high blood pressure feel absolutely fine, that's why it's known as a silent killer. [This is] something that affects one in three adults in the UK, and most people don't even know it.'
Morning Headaches and Vision Changes
One understated indicator could be headaches noticed upon waking, according to Damien. He explained: 'Not every headache, but persistent headaches when you wake up can be a warning sign that is not to be ignored.'
He continued by suggesting more symptoms could be worth mentioning to your GP, including blurred vision, seeing spots or instances where your eyesight becomes peculiar. He said: 'Your eyes have tiny blood vessels that are very sensitive to these pressure changes.'
Breathlessness and Nosebleeds
Feeling short of breath while doing activities that shouldn't be particularly strenuous is another sign for concern. Something as simple as going upstairs could be enough to 'leave you a little bit more breathless than usual'. The nurse practitioner explained that this indicates your heart is working harder than it should.
On their own, nosebleeds are typically nothing serious but frequent or heavy nosebleeds combined with any of the other symptoms above should not be ignored.
Unexplained Anxiety
The fifth sign is one that is 'often overlooked', says Damien, as it's not something physically 'wrong'. He said: 'Patients often discuss a feeling that they can't explain, and this is feeling anxious [or] restless'.
How to Get Blood Pressure Checked
Many pharmacies provide free blood pressure checks for people aged 40 or over. These checks can also take place at a GP surgery if you suspect you may have high blood pressure or be at risk of developing it. A 'normal' reading for blood pressure is anything that is at or below 120/80. If you get checked by an expert, they can explain the results of your blood pressure check and outline any necessary steps.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online if: you often have headaches or blurred vision; you have chest pain that comes and goes; or you have other symptoms that you're worried could be caused by high blood pressure. The only way to find out for certain if you have high blood pressure is to get your blood pressure checked.
It is possible to regain control of high blood pressure through medication and lifestyle modifications, including diet. The NHS recommends that people aim to do 'at least 150 minutes of exercise a week' to reduce their risk of hypertension.
