Nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure (48.1%, 119.9 million). Hypertension was the primary contributor of 664,470 deaths in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What’s worse is that about 46% are unaware that they have this condition. If left untreated, high blood pressure or hypertension can put you at a greater risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and even early death. High blood pressure is often called a ‘silent killer’ as symptoms are largely absent, and some of the subtle signs get dismissed. Dr Evan Levine, a board-certified cardiologist with over 30 years of experience, has now explained some of the most common symptoms of hypertension. Let’s take a look. What is hypertension?
Hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs when the pressure in the blood vessels is too high. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure that is consistently at or above 130/80 mm Hg is considered high blood pressure. Though the blood pressure varies throughout the day depending on the activities, consistent blood pressure is a warning sign. Over time, this high blood pressure damages the arteries, leading to serious complications like a heart attack and stroke. Catching it early is crucial for a healthy life. Symptoms of hypertension
- Headache: “It can be across the head or in the back,” the doctor explains in a video shared on Instagram.
- Blurred vision: It is a common symptom; however, it’s often dismissed as other, less severe illnesses.
- Shortness of breath: If you find yourself gasping for air, usually when you’re walking, it is a warning sign. “But if it gets really severe, you can get short of breath even at rest,” the cardiologist says.
- Chest pain: According to Dr. Levine, it almost feels “like angina that we call when you’re walking because the heart is working too hard.”
- Nosebleed: Some people complain of nosebleeds. “We call it epistaxis. Some people don’t believe in that,” he adds.
- Frothy urine: “It’s frothy because you’re spilling protein when you go to the bathroom. You may notice that,” he explains.
#1 symptom of hypertension
What makes high blood pressure especially dangerous is that it shows no symptoms in most people. “The number one symptom of hypertension. The most common symptom by far, everyone should know about is nothing. That’s right! That’s why we call it the silent killer,” Dr. Levine explains. The cardiologist suggests getting blood pressure checked often to catch it early. “You need to get your blood pressure checked at least annually. Now, if you can’t afford to see a physician, well, check it at home. Get an Omron blood pressure cuff at the store or Amazon. Watch a YouTube video before and share the cuff with your friends and family,” he says. “Remember, the most common symptom of hypertension is nothing. You don’t want to present with heart failure, a stroke, or a heart attack because you didn’t check your blood pressure,” the cardiologist stresses. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about high blood pressure or any medical condition.