How to Recognize Physical Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Physical symptoms of high blood pressure can be hard to spot. Hypertension or high blood pressure is often termed the quiet or silent killer for this reason. The American Heart Association estimates that nearly 20% of the American population dies from complications of high blood pressure and rising. So it is very worth while to become familiar with the physical symptoms of high blood pressure and how to spot them.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Pay attention to changes in vision.
   
   Often high blood pressure will cause subtle symptoms in the eye. An increase in the blurring of vision can be a sign that the delicate veins surrounding the eye are under pressure.

2. Notice any dizziness.
   
   Dizziness can be cause by high blood pressure affecting the brain's sense of balance. High blood pressure can show up in dizziness especially during physical activity or exertion.

3. Take note of any nausea that occurs separation from vomiting.
   
   If you have occasional nausea that does not appear connected to other flu like or cold symptoms, it is possible to be caused by the body's reaction to high blood pressure.

4. 

   Pay attention to pounding temples or neck and headaches.
   
   The blood paths around your head and neck are very sensitive to changes in pressure. This accounts for dizziness and even nausea at times. However, a more subtle physical symptom of high blood pressure can be a sense of feeling your pulse in the neck or temples. When it advances, headaches can become common.
   
   * See more tips on physical symptoms of high blood pressure below.

Tips & Warnings

• The best way to catch high blood pressure early is to have regular physicals and blood tests.
• Find a drug store with a blood pressure checking machine and check it on your own between physicals.
• See related articles on this page for more information and help on high blood pressure symptoms.

[nancycarol]

on 11/15/2009 If you are on Medicare or if you are a Veteran, you can get a blood pressure monitor to use at home. Thanks for these tips and a *5

[fareeha1016]

on 11/15/2009 An interesting topic! it is very nicely written. Those sure are the common symptoms for high blood pressure you just describe here. People with stressful jobs should always watch out these symptoms. 5*