High blood pressure also known as hypertension is often called the silent killer because it rarely causes obvious symptoms until it has already caused serious damage to your heart, brain, kidneys, or eyes. Many Nigerians are walking around with dangerously high blood pressure without any idea because they feel perfectly fine. In this post we are going to share 5 warning signs that your blood pressure may be too high and what you should do about it immediately.
Why High Blood Pressure is So Dangerous
When your blood pressure is consistently high it puts enormous strain on your blood vessels and organs. Over time this can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss, and even death. The World Health Organization estimates that high blood pressure is responsible for about 13 percent of all deaths worldwide. In Nigeria hypertension is one of the leading causes of death and yet the majority of people with high blood pressure are undiagnosed and untreated.
Warning Sign 1 — Severe Headaches
While most headaches are harmless a severe persistent headache especially at the back of your head or a headache that comes with vision changes, confusion, or nausea can be a sign of dangerously high blood pressure. This type of headache is called a hypertensive headache and requires immediate medical attention. If you regularly experience severe unexplained headaches check your blood pressure immediately using a home blood pressure monitor.
Warning Sign 2 — Dizziness and Lightheadedness
Occasional dizziness can have many causes but frequent dizziness especially when combined with other symptoms on this list can be a warning sign of high blood pressure or the side effects of blood pressure medication. Dizziness that comes with sudden loss of balance, difficulty walking, or trouble speaking could indicate a stroke which is a medical emergency. Call for help immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Warning Sign 3 — Shortness of Breath
High blood pressure puts strain on your heart which over time can lead to heart failure. One of the earliest signs of heart failure is shortness of breath especially during physical activity or when lying down. If you find yourself getting breathless more easily than you used to or if you wake up at night feeling unable to breathe properly check your blood pressure and consult your doctor.
Warning Sign 4 — Nosebleeds
While nosebleeds are usually harmless and caused by dry air or minor irritation frequent unexplained nosebleeds especially when combined with other symptoms can occasionally be associated with very high blood pressure. This is more likely to occur when blood pressure reaches severely elevated levels. If you experience frequent nosebleeds without an obvious cause check your blood pressure and speak to your doctor.
Warning Sign 5 — Blurred or Double Vision
High blood pressure can damage the delicate blood vessels in your eyes causing a condition called hypertensive retinopathy. Early signs include blurred vision, double vision, or seeing spots. If left untreated this can lead to permanent vision loss. Any sudden changes in your vision should be taken seriously and investigated immediately.
What to Do if You Suspect High Blood Pressure
The most important thing you can do right now is check your blood pressure at home using an automatic blood pressure monitor. If your reading is consistently 140 over 90 or above consult your doctor immediately. Even if you feel perfectly fine high blood pressure requires treatment and lifestyle changes to prevent serious complications.
Lifestyle changes that can help lower blood pressure include reducing salt intake, eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol consumption, stopping smoking, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Get Your VitalCorex Blood Pressure Monitor Today
Do not wait for symptoms to appear before checking your blood pressure. The VitaCorex Automatic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor makes it easy to monitor your blood pressure at home every day so you can catch any dangerous changes early and take action before it is too late. Order yours today and protect your heart health.