How do you know if you have high blood pressure?
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, which is why it is often called the "silent killer". Although the symptoms listed below are often related to high blood pressure, they occur just as frequently in those with normal blood pressure:
- Mild headaches (often in the back of the head and especially on waking in the morning)
- Nosebleeds
- Dizziness
- Spots before the eyes
- Flushed Face
- Tiredness
Very high blood pressure can result in chest pain, heart attack, shortness of breath, confusion, seizure, stroke, or even death.
The only way to know if your pressure is too high is to have it measured regularly by a health care professional. At least one-third of people with high blood pressure are not aware they have it. The earlier you discover you have high blood pressure, the earlier you can take steps to reduce it and help prevent serious damage.
next » How is high blood pressure treated or prevented with lifestyle changes?
Written by: Janice C. May, M.P.A.
Reviewed by: Jeffrey G. Schultze, M.D.
Last Modified: Thursday September 26, 2019 9:09 AM