Common Symptoms of Hypertension

Most people with primary hypertension don't have any obvious symptoms at all, also the possible symptoms of hypertension vary quite a lot from person to person. These symptoms could also be symptoms of other health problems, however here are a few of the more common symptoms of hypertension to look out for.

1. One of the symptoms of hypertension is chronic headaches. When you get chronic headaches that last for days (rather than hours) you should immediately see a doctor and get your blood pressure checked.
2. Dizziness or Vertigo
3. Blurry or double vision.
4. Drowsiness
5. Nausea
6. Shortness of breath. Usually when this occurs people start to get a little concerned. Often by this time though the blood pressure has probably reached high enough levels to be dangerous as this is one of the last symptoms of hypertension you'll experience.
7. Heart palpitations
8. Fatigue - general tiredness
9. A flushed face
10. Nosebleeds
11. A strong need to urinate often (especially during the night)
12. Tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing in the ears)

If you have any combination of these symptoms, then you should get your blood pressure checked by a doctor.

Secondary Hypertension
If you have hypertension that is caused by another medical condition, it is called secondary hypertension. This can be caused by many of different illnesses. People with kidney disorders often have secondary hypertension. This is because the kidneys regulate the balance of salt and water in the body. If your kidneys cannot get rid of excess salt and water from the body, your blood pressure goes up. Kidney infections, a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys, and other kidney disorders can disturb the salt and water balance. Kidney problems are by no means the only medical condition that can cause secondary hypertension, there many other conditions the 'side' effects of which can cause hypertension. More info is on the 'causes of hypertension page'

HEALTH FACTS - People with uncontrolled high blood pressure / hypertension are:
Three times more likely than people with normal blood pressure to develop coronary heart disease
Six times more likely to develop congestive heart failure
Seven times more likely to have a stroke