What Are Early Signs of High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is one of the most common health concerns adults face. It can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and other serious health issues over time. The difficult part is that many people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
In fact, high blood pressure often has no obvious early warning signs. The CDC says high blood pressure typically has no signs or symptoms, which is why checking your blood pressure is so important.
At Sherman Medical, we see many patients in Sherman, Denison, and the greater Texoma area who want to know whether symptoms like headaches, dizziness, chest discomfort, or feeling “off” could be related to blood pressure. While symptoms can happen in some cases, the only reliable way to know your blood pressure is to have it measured.
Why High Blood Pressure Is Often Called a Silent Condition
High blood pressure is sometimes called a “silent killer” because it may not cause noticeable symptoms even when it is damaging the body over time. The FDA notes that high blood pressure may show no symptoms while still increasing the risk of heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and other complications.
This means a person can feel normal and still have elevated blood pressure. Some people only discover it during a routine visit, a work physical, a DOT physical, or a checkup for another concern.
That is why regular blood pressure checks matter, especially if you have risk factors such as:
- family history of high blood pressure
- being overweight
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- smoking
- high-sodium diet
- limited physical activity
- high stress
- increasing age
The NHLBI lists lifestyle habits, family history, age, medicines, and other medical conditions among factors that can raise a person’s risk for high blood pressure.
Are There Early Signs of High Blood Pressure?
For many people, there are no early signs. That is the most important thing to understand.
Some people may notice symptoms such as headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, but Mayo Clinic notes that these symptoms are not specific and usually do not happen until blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.
Possible symptoms that should not be ignored include:
- frequent or severe headaches
- shortness of breath
- chest discomfort
- dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- blurry vision
- nosebleeds
- unusual fatigue
- feeling unusually anxious or unwell
These symptoms do not always mean high blood pressure is the cause. They can happen for many reasons. But if you are experiencing symptoms and are concerned, it is appropriate to be evaluated.
What Blood Pressure Reading Is Considered High?
Blood pressure is measured with two numbers:
- Systolic pressure: the top number
- Diastolic pressure: the bottom number
The NHLBI states that blood pressure is considered high when a person has consistent systolic readings of 130 mm Hg or higher or diastolic readings of 80 mm Hg or higher.
A single high reading does not always mean you have hypertension. Blood pressure can rise temporarily because of stress, pain, caffeine, exercise, illness, or anxiety. However, repeated high readings should be taken seriously.
When High Blood Pressure Needs Urgent Attention
Some blood pressure readings and symptoms require immediate care.
The American Heart Association says to call 911 if blood pressure is higher than 180/120 and symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking are present.
The NHLBI gives similar emergency guidance and includes symptoms such as sudden severe headache, difficulty breathing, sudden severe pain in the abdomen, chest, or back, numbness, weakness, sudden vision changes, or problems talking.
Seek emergency care immediately if you have a very high blood pressure reading along with:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- weakness or numbness
- trouble speaking
- sudden vision changes
- severe headache
- confusion
- severe back, chest, or abdominal pain
Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own if these warning signs are present.
What If My Blood Pressure Is High but I Feel Fine?
This is common. Many people with high blood pressure feel completely normal.
If your blood pressure reading is elevated but you do not have emergency symptoms, it is still worth following up. Repeated high readings can affect the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes over time. The CDC notes that high blood pressure can cause problems for the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes even when symptoms are not obvious. (CDC)
You should consider medical evaluation if:
- your readings are repeatedly high
- you have never been diagnosed with high blood pressure before
- you are having symptoms and are unsure why
- your medication does not seem to be controlling your readings
- your blood pressure is high during illness, pain, or stress
- you need a screening or physical for work
Sherman Medical can help evaluate blood pressure concerns and advise on appropriate next steps. Some patients may need ongoing management with a primary care provider or specialist.
How to Check Your Blood Pressure Correctly
If you check your blood pressure at home, try to make the reading as accurate as possible.
Before checking:
- sit quietly for a few minutes
- keep your feet flat on the floor
- keep your arm supported at heart level
- avoid caffeine, nicotine, and exercise right before checking
- use the correct cuff size
- take more than one reading if the first seems unusually high
Write down your readings, including the date and time. Bring that information with you if you visit a medical provider.