Physical Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is often referred to as a 'silent killer', as it fails to show any peculiar symptoms, thus making it difficult to treat. However, there are certain physical conditions that can be attributed to high blood pressure. Here's a look at the physical symptoms of high blood pressure.
Physical Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a manifestation of the stressful life we are leading today. The tensions that we carry in our day to day lives, take a toll on our physical and mental health. High blood pressure is an example of a lifestyle disorder. The worst part about high blood pressure, is that it does not exhibit peculiar symptoms like some other disorders. Hence, many people are oblivious to the fact that they have high blood pressure. Identifying the causes of high blood pressure and eliminating them, is the only way of keeping high blood pressure at bay. You could be at high risk of having high blood pressure if-
  • You are a male over 40 years of age.
  • Your intake of salt and potassium is very high.
  • You are obese.
  • You smoke.
  • You lead an extremely stressful or absolutely inactive life.
If you are within the above mentioned risk group, you should regularly observe yourself, for symptoms of high blood pressure and report them immediately.

Physical Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure shares its physical symptoms with many other disorders. But, if you are aware that you are at risk and are experiencing the following physical conditions, then you can be sure that you are suffering from high blood pressure.

Headache
If you constantly complain of headache, beware, as this might not be 'just another headache.' Frequent headaches are one sure sign of elevated blood pressure. And if you cannot figure out an apparent reason for the headache, you should immediately get your blood pressure checked.

Dizziness
If you experience dizziness every now and then, accompanied by sweating or palpitation, you could be suffering from high blood pressure. Dizziness can also be a symptom of some other serious disorder. In either case, see a physician.

Nausea
Nausea need not always be coupled with vomiting. An uneasiness in the stomach or a constant sick feeling can be a symptom of high blood pressure, especially if there are not any other symptoms associated with it.

Drowsiness
Drowsiness is one of the major symptoms of high blood pressure. A person constantly feels the need to sleep and finds it difficult to keep his eyes open.

Blurred Vision or Loss of Vision
If you suddenly experience a blurred vision or complete darkness, you should immediately rush for medical help. Though this is a rare condition and need not always be due to hypertension, it is better to get your blood pressure checked.

Fatigue
If you are no longer able to perform prolonged physical activities, with the same vigor as before, it could be a sign of high blood pressure. Even daily activities can make you feel tired and fatigued, and drain out energy from you.

High blood pressure may not show any signs or symptoms at the onset. The symptoms only become evident when the blood pressure has elevated to a substantial level. Also, all those suffering from high blood pressure, may not show all the symptoms. The occurrence of symptoms is rare and often mistook for some other disorder. Hence, it is preferable to check for high blood pressure if you are within the risk group and you experience any of these symptoms on any occasion.

By Ashwini Kulkarni
Published: 7/6/2009
 
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