How to Spot High Blood Pressure Symptoms

If you think you may be having high blood pressure symptoms you are not alone. According to the American Heart Association approximately 74 million people in the US over the age of 20 have high blood pressure. Studies show that the overall death rate caused by high blood pressure is over 18% of the population, and rising. Here are the signs you should watch for if you think you may be having high bloodpressure symptoms.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Watch for pounding in your ears, neck or chest. This pounding could be an indication that your blood pressure is dangerously high and you should seek immediate medical attention.

2. Look for severe headaches, fatigue and/or confusion. Watch to see if you are having any vision problems as a result of the above as this could be an indication you have hypertension.

3. Watch yourself to see if you are having an irregular heart beat. Take your heart rate at your neck. The closer you are to the heart, the easier it is to determine. Notice if your heart rate is not a steady rhythm.

4. Look for chest pain or blood in your urine. Chest pain can also be a sign of a heart attack so pay special attention and get medical attention immediately.

5. Watch for vomiting or nausea. If you notice any of the above signs of high blood pressure you should have your blood pressure checked immediately. Better yet, purchase an at home blood pressure monitor or visit your local pharmacy and use their free blood pressure tester.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Typically hypertension is considered to be a "silent killer" because symptoms do not appear until the condition has progressed.
• Visit your doctor and get a formal diagnosis.
• Seek medical attention immediately if your symptoms get worse or if you feel your symptoms may be life threatening.