Despite contradictory evidence about the connection between hypertension headache and high blood pressure, headaches are one of the most prevalent signs of high blood pressure. Is high blood pressure a factor in headaches? The evidence is not clear at this time.
There is no connection between headaches and mild to moderate hypertension, according to research from the American Journal of Hypertension.
However, rapid increases in blood pressure and severe hypertension (defined as systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure exceeding 180 mm Hg) have been linked to headaches.
According to the research, you should probably contact your doctor to see whether there is another explanation for your headaches if you have headaches and mild to moderate hypertension.
A hypertension headache is a throbbing, often on both sides of the head, discomfort that becomes worse with exercise. Usually, the headache is accompanied by other signs of elevated blood pressure.
What Signs Indicate A Hypertension Headache?
Hypertension headaches should be treated as an emergency since they often signify excessive blood pressure or a hypertension crisis. Call 911 or get to the closest emergency hospital for prompt care. Sometimes, hypertension headache is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Nosebleeds
- Chest discomfort
- Speech impediments
- Breathing difficulty
- Distorted vision
- Tingling or numbness
- Flushing of the face
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage, or blood spots in the eyes
Headaches caused by hypertension may become more severe when you cough or move your body.
What Causes A Headache From High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure that is greater than 180/110 mm Hg is the major factor in hypertension headaches. Other causes of hypertension headache may also occur, including:
- Pheochromocytoma, or tumours on the adrenal glands that are either benign or malignant
- Severe blood pressure rise without brain sickness or damage
- Severe blood pressure elevation that harms or afflicts the brain
- Pre-eclampsia, also known as a quick rise in blood pressure, and eclampsia, which affect third-trimester pregnant women and postpartum mums, respectively
- Critical blood pressure response to outside influences like drug use or abstinence
Are Hypertensive Headaches Life-Threatening?
You should not self-medicate for a hypertensive headache other than by taking the regular blood pressure drugs your doctor has given. Only use over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, when your blood pressure is stable.
Hypertension headaches may be a sign of a hypertension crisis, which is a sudden rise in blood pressure that may harm important organs and lead to stroke.
If you think you may have a headache caused by high blood pressure, you should visit a doctor right away so they can determine if you need urgent care.
How Is High Blood Pressure Headache Treated?
Doctors categorize hypertension headache as both a hypertensive emergency and a secondary headache. Intravenous (IV) medicine must be used to gradually reduce blood pressure in order to treat the disease.
Patients with hypertension headaches often get the following IV drugs:
- Nitroglycerin
- Nitroprusside sodium
- Nicardipine
- Labetalol
Rapid blood pressure drops may be dangerous, thus the outcomes of medical treatments must be carefully watched. Go to your local emergency department to get your blood pressure reduced by medical professionals in a secure setting.
However, altering your way of living may help you prevent hypertension headaches.
How To Avoid Headaches Caused By High Blood Pressure
A change in lifestyle may help control hypertension, an illness that is influenced by lifestyle. You may take the following actions on your own to lessen the frequency and control hypertension headaches:
A Prompt Response To Headaches
Determine if your headache is caused by severe high blood pressure or whether it is caused by anything else, such as stress, dehydration, eye strain, or migraines, as your initial course of action. You may check your blood pressure if you have headaches to decide what to do next.
If your blood pressure is less than 180/120 mm Hg, you are permitted to use over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you have been given triptan medicine for migraines, take one dosage as soon as you get a headache.
The safest over-the-counter medicines to take and whether you may combine them with your existing meds should be discussed with your doctor.
You may sometimes control your headaches by removing yourself from the hectic atmosphere. Look for a quiet, cool, and dark area to lay rest. For a moment, block off your thoughts and unwind.
Over-the-counter medications and relaxation techniques won’t help if you are having a hypertension crisis. If you have severe symptoms such as nausea, chest pains, blurred vision, or other symptoms, seek immediate medical treatment.
Decreasing Blood Pressure
Discuss how to control and reduce your blood pressure at home with your doctor. A change in lifestyle and the appropriate medicine can help you maintain normal blood pressure levels.
Make it a habit to exercise regularly, such as by walking or running, and closely follow the diet that your doctor has prescribed for you. Discuss the potential benefits of potassium and magnesium supplements with your doctor as well. The balance of these minerals might be affected by your food and certain drugs.
Additionally, your doctor could suggest dietary modifications or nutritional supplements that might help you reduce chronic hypertension headaches, improve the quality of your sleep, and reduce muscular tension.
When To See A Doctor
If you ignore a hypertension crisis, your body may suffer permanent harm. An untreated hypertension crisis may have serious adverse consequences, for instance:
- Renal failure
- Chest discomfort
- Eye injury
- Chest pain
- Extra fluid in the lungs, or pulmonary edema
- Seizures
- Stroke
Any additional signs of high blood pressure as well as persistent, severe headaches should not be disregarded. Dial 911 for emergency help if you see these symptoms.
The facts
The first thing you should check for if you have a strong headache is if it could be caused by very high blood pressure. Your organs may suffer long-term damage if your blood pressure is over 180/120 mmHg. This is a medical emergency. Please dial 911 or get straight to the nearest emergency facility.