High Blood Pressure: Symptoms & Causes

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common yet serious condition that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Often called the “silent killer” because of its subtle symptoms, it can cause headaches, dizziness, or vision problems in severe cases. Understanding the causes of hypertension, its symptoms, and treatment options is key to managing this condition effectively.

Understanding High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries remains consistently elevated. It is measured using two key readings: systolic pressure, which reflects the force when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure when the heart rests between beats. A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg, while readings persistently above 140/90 mmHg are classified as hypertension.

There are two types of hypertension:

Primary Hypertension

This type of hypertension develops gradually over time and is the most common form. While it doesn’t have a single identifiable cause, it is often linked to factors like genetics, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and the natural ageing process. Lifestyle habits, such as high salt consumption and excessive alcohol intake, can exacerbate the condition.

Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension occurs as a result of an underlying medical condition or external factor. Common causes include kidney diseases, hormonal imbalances like hyperthyroidism, adrenal gland disorders, or the use of certain medications such as birth control pills or decongestants. Unlike primary hypertension, it tends to appear suddenly and may lead to higher blood pressure levels.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Hypertension symptoms are often silent, making regular monitoring crucial. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Headaches: Often more pronounced in the morning, these are typically linked to increased pressure within the blood vessels of the head and neck. The discomfort is usually at the back of the head and can be a warning sign of elevated blood pressure.
• Dizziness: A feeling of imbalance or light-headedness that may occur due to restricted blood flow to the brain, particularly during sudden movements or standing up quickly.
• Shortness of Breath: This symptom may arise during physical activities, as the heart struggles to pump blood effectively due to the strain caused by high blood pressure.
• Blurred Vision: Elevated blood pressure can damage the delicate blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems or even retinal complications in severe cases.
• Nosebleeds: While not a common symptom, nosebleeds may occur in individuals with extremely high blood pressure, as fragile blood vessels in the nose can rupture.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or lack of energy often results from the heart working harder to circulate blood, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to the body.

If you experience these symptoms of hypertension, it’s essential to seek medical advice promptly.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

The causes of hypertension are often multifactorial. Contributing factors include:

• Lifestyle Choices: Unhealthy habits, such as a diet high in salt, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and sedentary behaviour, significantly contribute to hypertension. These choices increase strain on the cardiovascular system, leading to persistently high blood pressure over time.
• Genetics: A family history of hypertension is a strong risk factor. If close relatives have high blood pressure, your likelihood of developing the condition increases, often due to inherited tendencies for poor blood vessel regulation.
• Stress: Chronic stress can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure. Over time, persistent stress may lead to sustained high blood pressure, especially when paired with unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating or smoking.
• Ageing: With age, arteries naturally lose elasticity and stiffen, making it harder for blood to flow freely, which increases blood pressure levels.
• Medical Conditions: Underlying health issues, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and hormonal imbalances, often contribute to the development of hypertension by interfering with normal cardiovascular regulation.
• Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts additional strain on the heart and blood vessels, forcing the cardiovascular system to work harder to circulate blood, which significantly raises the risk of high blood pressure.

Understanding why hypertension occurs is vital for prevention and management.

Hypertension Treatment

Managing high blood pressure involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Here’s how to treat and manage hypertension effectively:

Lifestyle Changes

• Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing salt intake can lower blood pressure.
• Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
• Weight Management: Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly impact blood pressure.
• Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: These habits directly contribute to hypertension.

Medications

• Diuretics: Help remove excess sodium and water from the body.
• Beta-Blockers: Reduce the heart rate and workload.
• ACE Inhibitors: Relax blood vessels by preventing hormone production that narrows them.
• Calcium Channel Blockers: Prevent calcium from entering the heart and blood vessel cells, relaxing the blood vessels.

Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

When to See a Doctor?

If you consistently record high blood pressure readings or experience severe hypertension symptoms like chest pain, confusion, or shortness of breath, it’s time to consult a specialist.

If you’re in Bangalore, SPARSH Hospitals offers access to advanced diagnostics and expert treatment. You are treated by renowned cardiologists in Bangalore who will provide personalised plans to manage hypertension effectively.

Conclusion

High blood pressure is a manageable condition with proper lifestyle changes and medical care. Regular monitoring, understanding the causes of hypertension, and adhering to prescribed treatments can prevent complications like heart attacks or strokes. If you notice any symptoms, act promptly to safeguard your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main causes of high BP?

High blood pressure often results from lifestyle factors like high salt intake, smoking, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption. Medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease, genetics, stress, ageing, and obesity also play significant roles.

How do you feel when BP is high?

Most people feel nothing, but some may experience headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Severe cases might cause blurred vision, nosebleeds, or persistent fatigue.

What is the biggest symptom of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure often has no symptoms. If symptoms occur, headaches, shortness of breath, or dizziness are the most common indicators.

What are 10 warning signs of high blood pressure?

Possible signs include headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision, nosebleeds, chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, swollen ankles, and difficulty concentrating. Regular check-ups are key to early detection.