High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” affects millions of Filipinos, many of whom may not even realize it. While occasional fluctuations in blood pressure are normal, consistently high blood pressure, or hypertension, poses severe health risks. Recognizing the high blood symptoms or possible warning signs can help you avoid that negative outcome. In this case, it’s best to be knowledgeable about the symptoms of high blood pressure, and determine what to do next. Find out more in this comprehensive guide!
What is High Blood Pressure?
A health condition like high blood pressure or hypertension is commonly determined through a blood pressure reading. It consists of the top number, systolic blood pressure and the bottom number, diastolic blood pressure.The blood pressure is commonly measured using millimeters of mercury or mm Hg unit. Normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mm Hg, whereas a reading above 130/80 mm Hg is considered hypertension.
When the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high, it can be alarming. That means, the blood is having a hard time passing through the blood vessels, making the blood flow constricted. Because of this, the heart works more leading to high pressure so the blood flow can continue. Thus, resulting in high blood pressure.
Common High Blood Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
High blood pressure of hypertension is a silent killer condition. That’s why most people don’t know that their blood pressure has already spiked, not until they experience the following severe complications.
Here are some of the major scenarios that can be considered as signs of high blood:
Severe Headaches
Persistent and severe headaches are symptoms of high blood, which requires immediate medical attention. These headaches may feel like a throbbing pain and are often accompanied by blurred vision or dizziness.
Shortness of Breath
High blood pressure can also lead to shortness of breath, particularly during physical activities. This symptom may indicate that the heart is struggling to pump blood efficiently, potentially leading to heart failure.
Vertigo
On the other hand, if your high blood pressure is too high, you might suffer from nausea and vomiting. Some people may connect it with vertigo due to the severe peak of blood pressure. It can be considered as alarming, which means you need emergency care.
Other symptoms can also involve the following:
- fatigue and confusion
- vision problems
- chest pain
- irregular heartbeat
- nosebleed
While these symptoms may not always be direct symptoms of hypertension, frequent or unexplained situations like them can be a warning sign, especially during a hypertensive crisis. It can be a result of straining the heart, while some can also be a result of kidney problems due to high blood pressure.
In that case, it’s ideal to seek emergency help especially if any of the mentioned symptoms occur.
Factors Leading to High Blood Pressure
As mentioned, you can only determine that you have high blood pressure through a blood pressure reading. When there’s too much pressure, the reading may exceed 130/80 mm Hg. Having a high blood pressure rate can affect your health. If it reaches the hypertensive level, the alarming high blood symptoms mentioned above can appear.
While such information can be crucial, it is also vital to be aware of the possible risk factors that magnifies this health condition. For instance, some factors like having a family history of hypertension can possibly categorize you as a higher risk individual that can develop high blood pressure.
Meanwhile, suffering from serious health problems can also be a possible risk factor for developing hypertension. In this case, people who have the following conditions might need to check their health:
- heart disease (possible heart attack and other ailments)
- kidney disease (check for kidney failure)
- lung disease (check possibility of pulmonary hypertension)
How to Prevent High Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure Management – Medical Treatment Plan
Blood Pressure Medications
One of the common ways to avoid a spike in a healthy range of blood pressure is through blood thinners. This kind of medication allows a better blood flow, ensuring no strain. Aside from that, there are ace inhibitors that relax the blood vessels.
Read this related blog to know more about medications for lowering blood pressure.
Daily Monitoring of BP Reading
By using a home blood pressure monitor equipment for a blood pressure test, you can determine if your blood pressure numbers are at the normal range or leaning to high blood pressure. It’s best to use it daily to check your blood pressure levels and make the needed steps to lower it. Thus, avoiding hypertensive crisis.
Blood Pressure Management – Natural Treatment
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products can help lower blood pressure. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is particularly effective.
Exercise Regularly
Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week can help lower blood pressure and improve overall heart health.
Limit Salt Intake
Excessive salt can raise blood pressure. Limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day (or even lower for those with high blood pressure) is recommended.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. It is advisable to limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress may contribute to high blood pressure. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress effectively.
Emergency Consult with A Cardiologist Near Me
Given that high blood pressure is a silent killer, the symptoms may only appear during the severe stage of the disease. If you experience any of the high blood symptoms mentioned above, it is crucial to consult a cardiologist. Make sure to go directly to a healthcare provider for emergency care if you are suffering from hypertensive tendencies.
Here are options to choose from so you’ll know which place to visit for emergencies:
You can find a cardiologist for your concerns by checking the cities available on NowServing. This option allows you to browse the doctors and hospitals in a specific area, especially in time of emergency needs.
Aside from location, you can also check the prominent hospitals that offer quality care services for addressing high blood pressure problems.
How to Book A Consultation with A Cardiologist on NowServing
Cardiologist consultation is possible through NowServing. Here are the simple steps to book an appointment with a cardiologist.
- Click the link to view the licensed cardiologists in the Philippines.
- Choose the doctor you prefer by tapping the “Book Appointment” option.
- Fill up the form to continue the process of booking with the doctor.
- Select the time and date for the consultation, as well as if you prefer online consultation or to visit their clinic.
- Finish and wait for the confirmed schedule.
Take note that the online consultation option is better for follow-up consults or if you have an immediate concern. However, if you need emergency care, it’s best to go directly to a hospital so a healthcare provider can assess you physically.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the first aid for high blood pressure?
The first aid for high blood pressure includes staying calm, sitting or lying down, and taking prescribed medication if available. Also, it is ideal to rest a well-ventilated area to avoid heat from triggering a spike on the high pressure levels. Additionally, consider loosening your clothing to allow you to breathe freely, which helps you to relax more.
It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing severe high blood symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, or vision problems. Remember, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and well-being in such situations.
What is considered a hypertensive crisis?
A hypertensive crisis is when blood pressure readings exceed 180/120 mm Hg. If you are at this stage, you can experience severe symptoms such as severe headache, nausea, vertigo, etc. This situation requires immediate medical attention as prolonged symptoms can possibly lead to further complications like stroke.
Can stress alone cause high blood pressure?
While stress can temporarily raise blood pressure, chronic high blood pressure usually results from a combination of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and genetics. It’s best to manage your mental health better and practice a healthier lifestyle to prevent complications and triggering your blood pressure.
How to know if you’re high blood?
While symptoms can be a helpful indicator of hypertension, it is still important to check your blood pressure reading to fully determine if it is above the normal bp reading. It is ideal to monitor it daily, especially if you suspect a possible high blood pressure to hypertensive crisis. You can use a blood pressure reading equipment like sphygmomanometer and other digital monitors.
Conclusion
Recognizing the high blood symptoms early is crucial to preventing severe health complications. Suffering from hypertensive crisis is an alarming situation as it can have a huge impact on your health. In that case, it’s best to consult a cardiologist immediately if you have a family history of hypertension.
Meanwhile, if your current symptoms align with a hypertensive warning signs, emergency care is what you need. Rush to the nearest ER to seek immediate care.
