High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high.

While high blood pressure often shows no symptoms, it can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Ignoring the signs of high blood pressure can put your health at risk and lead to severe consequences. In this article, we will explore seven signs of high blood pressure that are often overlooked.

1. Headaches

Headaches are a common occurrence and can be caused by various factors. However, frequent and severe headaches could be a sign of high blood pressure.

When your blood pressure is consistently high, it can lead to headaches that are often described as pounding or throbbing. These headaches may be accompanied by dizziness or blurred vision.

2. Difficulty Sleeping

If you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it could be due to high blood pressure. Uncontrolled blood pressure can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing is interrupted during sleep, causing loud snoring and brief periods of waking up throughout the night.

3. Fatigue

Feeling constantly tired or fatigued, even after a full night’s sleep, may be a sign of high blood pressure. When your blood pressure is too high, it can strain your heart and blood vessels, making your body work harder to pump blood.

This extra effort can leave you feeling exhausted and lacking energy.

4. Nosebleeds

While nosebleeds are often harmless and can occur due to dry air or irritation, frequent or spontaneous nosebleeds could indicate high blood pressure.

When your blood pressure is elevated, it puts increased pressure on the small blood vessels in your nose, making them more prone to rupturing.

5. Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing can be a sign of high blood pressure. When your blood pressure is too high, it can cause your heart to work harder than usual, straining its ability to pump blood efficiently.

This can result in fluid buildup in your lungs, leading to shortness of breath or a feeling of being unable to catch your breath.

6. Chest Pain

Experiencing chest pain can be a symptom of various health conditions, including high blood pressure. When your blood pressure is consistently high, it can lead to coronary artery disease, which narrows the arteries that supply blood to your heart.

This can cause chest pain or angina, often described as a tight or squeezing sensation in your chest.

7. Vision Problems

High blood pressure can also affect your eyesight. If left untreated, it can damage the blood vessels in your retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye.

This condition, known as hypertensive retinopathy, can cause blurred vision, double vision, or even vision loss.

Conclusion

High blood pressure is often referred to as a silent killer because it can go unnoticed for years without causing any noticeable symptoms. However, overlooking the signs of high blood pressure can have serious consequences for your health.

Regular blood pressure checks are essential, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of hypertension, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle. Remember, early detection and management of high blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other related complications.