Heart Disease: High Blood Pressure

Signs and Symptoms of  Hypertension 

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can seriously increase your risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke.

There are usually no symptoms of high blood pressure. In rare cases of advanced high blood pressure, you may have dull headaches, dizzy spells, or a few more nosebleeds than normal, but these symptoms are very unlikely for most people.

High blood pressure is usually discovered by a routine blood pressure screening during a regular physical. You should have your blood pressure checked at least once every two years if you’re 20 years of age or older. You can have this done in a doctor’s office. In addition, many health fairs and other community events will offer free blood pressure screenings.

In most cases of high blood pressure, there is no identifiable cause. In fact, 90 to 95% of adults with high blood pressure have primary hypertension, which tends to develop gradually over several years without reason. Secondary hypertension, which is less common, usually appears suddenly and can be traced back to another underlying medical condition. Secondary hypertension may be caused by:

  • Kidney abnormalities
  • Adrenal gland tumors
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Medication, including birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers, and other prescription drugs
  • Illegal drugs, including cocaine and amphetamines

Secondary hypertension tends to cause higher blood pressure than primary hypertension.

Risk factors and complications

It’s important to understand your risk for developing high blood pressure. While some risk factors are beyond your control, you can pay attention to the factors you can control and make sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly if you know you’re at increased risk for developing hypertension.

Risk factors for high blood pressure that you cannot control include:

  • Age: The older you are, the greater your risk for high blood pressure. Men have an increased risk beginning in early middle age, while women’s risks increase after menopause.
  • Race: Black people are more likely to develop high blood pressure than white people and may see signs of hypertension at an earlier age.
  • Genetics: You may be more likely to develop high blood pressure if you have a family history of it.

Of course you cannot change your age, race, or family DNA, but there are several risk factors for hypertension that you can regulate. These include:

  • Weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk for high blood pressure because your increased blood volume puts additional pressure on your artery walls.
  • Activity level: Exercising regularly can reduce your risk for high blood pressure by lowering your resting heart rate.
  • Tobacco and alcohol use: Along with increasing your risk for several diseases, smoking also increases your risk for high blood pressure. Excessive alcohol use can also lead to high blood pressure over time.
  • Sodium intake: A diet high in sodium can lead to fluid retention, which may raise your blood pressure.

While everyone should pay attention to their weight, activity level, tobacco and alcohol use, and sodium intake, these measures are especially important if your age, race, or family history increases your risk for developing high blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause a number of potentially dangerous health complications, including aneurysms, heart failure, strokes, kidney failure, diabetes, and vision loss. If you have concerns about your risk for hypertension, make an appointment to talk to your doctor and have your blood pressure checked.