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Typical Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, when blood pressure rises significantly or remains uncontrolled over time, the following typical or associated symptoms may appear.

1. Headache​

  • Commonly occurs at the back of the head or on the top.
  • Feels like pressure or throbbing pain, more noticeable in the morning and may ease after activity.

2. Dizziness or Lightheadedness​

  • Especially noticeable when standing up suddenly, often due to reduced blood flow to the brain.

3. Blurred Vision or Visual Disturbances​

  • High blood pressure can affect the blood vessels in the retina, causing symptoms such as blurry vision or seeing floaters.

4. Palpitations​

  • The heart may beat faster or irregularly due to increased workload.

5. Chest Tightness or Pain​

  • May indicate myocardial ischemia or hypertensive heart disease.

6. Fatigue or Weakness​

  • Reduced blood supply to organs and tissues can cause persistent tiredness.

7. Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)​

  • May result from increased vascular tension or decreased blood supply to the inner ear.

8. Numbness or Swelling in Hands and Feet​

  • Caused by poor peripheral circulation or pressure on nerves or blood vessels.

Other Accompanying Symptoms​

Emotional Instability​

  • Irritability, anxiety, or mood swings, possibly due to nervous system involvement.

Memory Impairment​

  • Long-term hypertension may damage small blood vessels in the brain, leading to cognitive decline.

Sleep Disturbances​

  • Includes difficulty falling asleep, early waking, and light sleep, especially in older adults with high blood pressure.

Frequent Nighttime Urination​

  • May indicate kidney strain or early kidney dysfunction, especially in the elderly.

Leg Fatigue or Claudication​

  • May suggest peripheral artery disease due to atherosclerosis.

Reminder​

These symptoms are common but not exclusive to hypertension. A diagnosis of hypertension should be based on repeated, standardized blood pressure measurements. Adults should have their blood pressure checked annually, and those with a family history or lifestyle risk factors should monitor it regularly.