High Blood Pressure Headache - Watch Your Symptoms

Many people do not consider linking a headache to their high blood pressure. For the most part, headaches are often dismissed as nothing more than stress. However, the stress part is correct, but a high blood pressure headache is often what the individual is really experiencing.

As you might already know, stress increases blood pressure. When you already have high blood pressure it is not all that uncommon to experience a high blood pressure headache.

A headache is caused by an increase in the constriction of the blood vessels in the brain. When you already have issues with the constriction of your blood vessels, a high blood pressure headache is often a result.

High blood pressure headaches are more frequent in individuals with a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher. With a reading this high, it is important that you continue to monitor your headache and pay attention to any new symptoms you might have. Other symptoms that you need to be aware of are:

* Numbness on one side of the face
* Numbness in the arm or the leg
* Difficulties with speech (generally slurred speech)
* Blurry vision in one or both eyes
* Difficulties walking, standing or the inability to maintain coordination.

The above symptoms are actually symptoms of a stroke. If you believe you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms you need to immediately contact 911 emergency services. It is extremely important that the individual gets to medical attention immediately.

Even if you have not been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it doesn’t mean you do not have it. High blood pressure is often considered to be a silent killer because it alone does not have any symptoms that can be detected by the sufferer. Generally when symptoms are present, they are symptoms of another condition that could have been caused by the high blood pressure.

A high blood pressure headache is not one of those warning signs that should be easily dismissed. The ill effects of high blood pressure can and will lead to more serious conditions that have the capability of being lethal.

Catching and treating high blood pressure before it turns into hypertensive is the best way to reduce the risks of stroke, heart attack and even cardiac arrest. If high blood pressure runs in your family, you should have your blood pressure checked regularly and monitored.