High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects around a third of adults in the UK – but it can often go undetected as it rarely has symptoms
A silent but deadly condition that could be lurking undetected for years might be putting you at a higher risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
In the UK, about one-third of the population suffers from this dangerous condition known as high blood pressure, or hypertension. This condition forces your heart to pump harder to circulate blood throughout your body. The added strain not only burdens your heart but also other vital organs and blood vessels, potentially leading to severe health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, strokes, heart failure, and heart attacks.
Often, high blood pressure doesn’t make its presence known until it triggers a major health crisis. Shockingly, it’s estimated that half of those with hypertension are either unaware of their condition or are not being treated, reports the Express. This lack of symptoms has earned high blood pressure the nickname “silent killer”. Nevertheless, there are some signs to watch out for.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) notes that symptoms might only manifest when blood pressure reaches extremely high levels. “Most people with hypertension don’t feel any symptoms,” according to the WHO. “Checking your blood pressure is the best way to know if you have high blood pressure.”
“If hypertension isn’t treated, it can lead to other health problems like kidney disease, heart disease and stroke.” If your blood pressure is 180/120 or higher, you might start to notice symptoms. Two such symptoms can appear in the chest: chest pain and an abnormal heart rhythm.
However, WHO lists other potential signs as:
- Severe headaches
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision or other vision changes
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Buzzing in the ears
- Nosebleeds.
The health authority adds: “If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and a high blood pressure, seek care immediately. The only way to detect hypertension is to have a health professional measure blood pressure. Having blood pressure measured is quick and painless.
“Although individuals can measure their own blood pressure using automated devices, an evaluation by a health professional is important for assessment of risk and associated conditions.” It’s not always clear what causes someone to have high blood pressure but your risk will be increased if you:
- Are overweight
- Eat too much salt and do not eat enough fruit and vegetables
- Do not do enough exercise
- Drink too much alcohol or coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks)
- Smoke
- Have a lot of stress
- Are over 65
- Have a relative with high blood pressure
- Are of black African or black Caribbean descent
- Live in a deprived area.
- It could also be caused by a condition or illness such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Certain medications such as the contraceptive pill and steroids are also known to raise blood pressure.