Symptoms of high blood pressure

There are not usually any symptoms with high blood pressure which is why it can lie undiagnosed for a long period of time. This means that there are a substantial number of people with high blood pressure who are living with a ‘ticking bomb’ so to speak.

So, how do you know if you have high blood pressure?

Often the only way you find out is during a routine check up at your GP’s surgery. This is more likely to be the case if you are over 40 or have a medical condition which requires monitoring. But someone can experience symptoms if their blood pressure level is too high, or they have a rapid surge without any prior warning. This will cause the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Blackouts
• Fits or seizures
• Eyesight problems, e.g. double vision
• Breathlessness
• Nosebleeds
• Fatigue
• Excess sweating
• Anxiety
• Visual disturbances
• Palpitations

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms then seek medical advice as soon as possible.

This is not meant to unduly worry you; instead it is meant to raise awareness of this chronic condition which can be fatal if left untreated. But high blood pressure can be controlled with medication and a healthy lifestyle.

If you are over 40, have a family history of high blood pressure or one or more of the risk factors mentioned in this guide then have your blood pressure checked.