Wednesday, April 24, 2024
HomeEditor PicksCan Blood Pressure Cause Headaches

Can Blood Pressure Cause Headaches

Pressure In Head And Eyes

HBP 046- How is High Blood Pressure linked to headaches

Head pressure accompanied by eye pressure can be a sign of eye strain, allergies, or sinus infections. Migraines and other headaches can also cause eye-related symptoms.

Some causes of head pressure dont require medical treatment. Home remedies and lifestyle changes may help to improve your symptoms.

Tension headaches in particular have been linked to stress, poor sleep, and mental health conditions such as

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, naproxen , and ibuprofen , can also help.

High Blood Pressure And Headache Is There A Relationship

Does high blood pressure cause headache? This has been the subject of much debate over the years and the subject of scientific investigation. In this article we will examine the evidence and see if there is an association between high blood pressure and headache. An article about blood pressure guidelines is referenced here.

What Are The Symptoms Of Sih

The most common symptom of SIH is a typical headache, located in the back of the head, often with neck pain. It is worse when standing or sitting and improves or goes away within 20-30 minutes of lying down, called orthostatic or postural headache. The pain is often very severe. The next most common variation is a headache that is not present upon awakening but develops in the late morning or afternoon and worsens throughout the day.The location of the headache varies it may be in the front, affect the entire head or be one-sided. It may resemble migraine with sensitivity to light and noise, nausea or vomiting. There is no specific character of the pain, which may be aching, pounding, throbbing, stabbing, or pressure-like, as examples.

Another common feature of the headache is marked worsening with coughing, sneezing, straining , exercise, bending over and sexual activity. Other symptoms include hearing changes , dizziness, impaired concentration, back or chest pain, and double vision. Rarely loss of consciousness, coma, or a Parkinson-like state may occur.

SIH is one cause of New Daily Persistent Headache, which is a headache that starts out of the blue one day and never goes away.

Don’t Miss: What Can Cause High Blood Pressure Spikes

You Know Every Bathroom In A 2

Lisinopril dilates your arteriesthat’s how it works to lower high blood pressurebut this can affect other parts of your body besides your heart, especially your kidneys. If you already have kidney problems or are prone to getting them, this drug can make them worse, says Splaver.

At first, you likely won’t feel any symptoms, but if you notice changes in how frequently you have to pee or what your pee looks like, along with pain when using the bathroom, lower back pain, or other signs of kidney problems, call your doctor right away, he says.

Dietary And Lifestyle Changes

Can Low Blood Pressure Cause Headaches?
  • Reduce the consumption of unsaturated fats, especially red meat. These foods contribute to high blood pressure levels.
  • Lose weight. Excess weight can increase blood pressure.
  • Boost your metabolism. This helps to increase blood circulation and reduce high blood pressure risk.
  • Minimize stress. A contributing factor for the development of high blood pressure and increased frequency of hypertension headaches.

Making changes to how you live can be difficult. But by starting with only minor changessuch as losing a pound a week or just being more aware how much salt is in the food you eatyou will be on the right track to making sure your blood pressure is under control.

However, not all aspects of health are within our control and there may be a time when the care of a trained medical professional will be required. There are great anti-hypertensive medications available that do a great job at keeping blood pressure normal.

Related: Essential oils for migraines and headaches

Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.

Read Also: What Is Blood Pressure Supposed To Be

How Can I Prevent Headaches

The key to preventing headaches is figuring out what triggers them. Triggers are very specific to each person what gives you a headache may not be a problem for others. Once you determine your triggers, you can avoid or minimize them.

For example, you may find that strong scents set you off. Avoiding perfumes and scented products can make a big difference in how many headaches you have. The same goes for other common triggers like troublesome foods, lack of sleep and poor posture.

Many people, however, are not able to avoid triggers or are unable to identify triggers. In that case, a more personalized multidisciplinary approach with a headache specialist is often necessary.

Doctor: Many People Have High Blood Pressure And Are Unaware

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

  • High blood pressure, or hypertension, symptoms are triggered by the pressure in the blood vessels having an impact on the body
  • High blood pressure signs often do not appear, however, unless the pressure is really high, meaning few people realise they have the condition
  • Having this is dangerous as it increases your risk of heart problems and a stroke
  • Watch out for these four symptoms of high blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, symptoms can include headaches, the NHS has claimed.

Stating signs normally only occur in rare cases where blood pressure is very high, the national healthcare organisation advised treating them as a possible warning sign.

High blood pressure rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if left untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes, they said online.

Persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of a number of serious and potentially life-threatening conditions.

However other health organisations disagree, and argue headaches are not a symptom of high blood pressure.

Also Check: What Gives You High Blood Pressure

Do I Have Hypertension

Symptoms or not, you may have high blood pressure. About 1 out of 3 American adults has it, and another 1 out of 3 have prehypertension. Not only that, but 1 out of 5 Americans has hypertension and does not know it.

Risk factors for hypertension include:

  • Older age
  • Health conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol
  • Excess stress

Are you among the 150 million Americans with hypertension or pre-hypertension, or among the millions more with risk factors? Do not wait until you develop high blood pressure headaches to find out!

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends that everyone over age 30 get screened for hypertension at least once a year. You may get your blood pressure checked whenever you visit your primary care provider or any other doctor or healthcare provider. Many pharmacies offer free blood pressure measuring as well.;

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes as a first line of treatment. Medications may be necessary if those healthy behaviors do not work.

Understanding High Blood Pressure Headaches

Headache Alert: Could your Headache be causing your High Blood Pressure. West New York Chiropractocr

If you are one of the millions of people who live with high blood pressure, you were probably surprised when your doctor told you that your numbers were higher than they should beespecially because you feel fine.

High blood pressure doesn’t typically cause symptoms. However, some people may have headachesespecially if their blood pressure skyrockets into the danger zonea condition known as high blood pressure emergency or urgency.

Here’s what you need to know about a high blood pressure headache, what other symptoms may occur, and when to call 911.

Also Check: What Is Hypertensive Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure Not Just Brain Tumors And Sinus Infections Can Cause Headaches

Hypertension can also cause an aneurysm in the brain a bulging blood vessel that can burst and cause life-threatening bleeding.

First off, high blood pressure is often referred to as the silent killer.

Typically it does not cause symptoms. Typically. Thats the key word.

This is why everyone should regularly get their BP measured with a home device in addition to at a medical clinic.

There is no such thing as, I cant have high blood pressure because I feel fine.

Treatment For High Blood Pressure Headaches

If you do get them, high blood pressure headaches tend to come during a hypertensive crisis. This is defined as blood pressure over 180/120 mm Hg. You might also have a nosebleed or feel generally ill.

The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology recommend these steps if you have a hypertension headache due to a hypertensive crisis.

  • Take your blood pressure if you suspect you have a hypertensive crisis.
  • If it is over 180/120 mm Hg, rest for 5 minutes.
  • Take your blood pressure again.
  • If you still have a headache or nosebleed or do not feel well and your blood pressure is still over 180/120 mm Hg, dial 9-1-1.

Without quick action to lower your blood pressure, a hypertensive crisis can lead to permanent target organ damage, such as to your brain, heart, and kidneys.

Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Low Blood Pressure

What Is Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension

In the simplest of terms, SIH is a low-pressure headache. Intracranial hypotension literally means that there is low spinal fluid pressure in the brain. In SIH, there is a leak of spinal fluid from the spine, either in the neck or mid-back area. Spinal fluid bathes the brain, cushioning it from impact against the skull when the head moves. The brain makes spinal fluid continuously, and absorbs it at the same rate, creating a delicate balance that keeps the spinal fluid volume and pressure normal.

How Is Sih Treated

High blood pressure symptoms: Hypertension signs include ...

Many patients with long-standing SIH discover that virtually all of the standard medications used for headache treatment are ineffective. The medical management is similar to what is used for the headache that occurs immediately after a spinal tap, including caffeine, hydration and lying flat. Sometimes an abdominal binder or a medication called theophylline are helpful but rarely make the headache go away permanently.

Because epidural blood patches are usually successful, they are often the first line of treatment. The patients own blood is drawn from the arm and injected in the low spine into the epidural space, which is the space immediately outside the dura. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopy or CT as an outpatient. The most common complication is lower back pain that generally resolves within a week. Occasionally, the back pain lasts weeks or months; rarely there may be scarring causing persistent back pain, or a rebound high pressure state which usually resolves on its own. There is a potential risk of infection. The blood patch often brings instant relief. Sometimes the effect wears off and additional blood patches are needed.

Also Check: What Do You Do When You Have Low Blood Pressure

How Is Sih Diagnosed

If you think that have the symptoms of SIH, its important to consult your doctor to conduct a series of tests. From the Trendelenburg test, where the patient lies flat and the exam is tilted to lower the head, imaging studies such as an MRI scan, CT scan or cisternogram, can help to determine if SIH is the cause of the headaches. Still, even through diagnostic testing, a substantial minority of patients may have normal results.

Get Regular Bp Checks

Some people do not even know that they are suffering from hypertension until they check their blood pressure. This is the reason why it’s important to get an accurate BP reading to get a clear picture of your risk of heart disease and stroke. Normal blood pressure levels are less than 120/80 mmHg. No matter your age, it is essential to keep your blood pressure under this level to mitigate the risk of developing health problems.

Recommended Reading: What Is The Proper Blood Pressure

Nitrates Can Cause Headaches

Nitrates are known to increase vasodilatation, i.e. dilatation of the blood vessels. Drugs containing nitrates, like blood pressure medications, are known to typically cause severe headaches and migraines. Some cardiac medicines, especially the ones related to nitroglycerin, nitrates or even a nitro patch for angina are some medicines which can cause severe headache or migraine.

How To Manage Headaches And High Blood Pressure

Healthy Eating & Living : Does High Blood Pressure Cause Bad Headaches?

If you have a migraine or another type of chronic headache and high blood pressure, a non-drug approach may be worth a try, says Dr. Grosberg. These may include biofeedback, eating a low-salt diet, and/or weight loss, he suggests.

Biofeedback involves placing sensors on the body to measure head pain to help you learn how to control it. It may provide as much relief as some prescription headache medications, according to the American Migraine Foundation.

You May Like: What Is S Normal Blood Pressure

Can Headaches Or Migraines Be Cured

Treating health problems that cause headaches, such as high blood pressure, can eliminate head pain. Recently, there have been several new advancements in our understanding of what causes headaches. Although we are closer than ever before to a cure, at this time there is no cure for primary headaches. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future episodes.

High Blood Pressure Headaches And Other Hypertension Symptoms

Your blood pressure headache may be exactly what you might guess based on the feelings of pain and pressure in your head. As it feels like, that headache is the result of too much pressure in your head.;

Other hypertension symptoms are also rare. You might not ever get them or you might get one or more of them only when you have a hypertensive crisis, which can be a medical emergency.

  • Nosebleeds
  • Blood spots in your eyes, or subconjunctival conjunctivitis
  • Reddening of the face, or facial flushing, in the heat, cold, or wind, or after eating spicy foods or drinking hot beverages, or at other times.

Since these symptoms can indicate a hypertensive crisis, contact your healthcare provider or get medical care immediately if you have them.

Recommended Reading: How Accurate Are Blood Pressure Apps

Most Common High Blood Pressure Symptoms

Most commonly high blood pressure causes no symptoms at all. This means that people with high blood pressure can be having damage occur to their heart, kidneys, eyes, and circulation without feeling badly! It is very important, therefore, to have blood pressure testing as part of the routine physical examination. However, in people with uncomplicated high blood pressure, they may experience

  • headache,
  • dizziness, and
  • shortness of breath.

The consequences of high blood pressure depend on the severity and the duration of the pressure, as well as the underlying medical condition of the individual affected. High blood pressure can affect the heart to cause:

;High blood pressure can impair the function of the kidneys, leading to fluid retention and swelling of the legs, and even kidney failure. High blood pressure can affect the eyes, causing vision loss. High blood pressure can seriously affect the circulation causing pain in the legs with walking, cold feet, and stroke.

Fortunately, when high blood pressure is detected early, treated, and monitored, the consequences of high blood pressure can be avoided.

Controlling Migraine And High Blood Pressure

Can High Blood Pressure Cause Headaches And Nosebleeds ...

If you are having frequent headaches or if your headaches seem to coincide with elevations in your blood pressure, you need to talk to a doctor. Often, keeping your blood pressure under control will also keep your headaches under control. You should also talk to your doctor if you have migraines, whether you have high blood pressure or not.

Appropriate treatment of headaches requires an accurate diagnosis. The correct choice of medications is based on the diagnosis, says Dr. Dalvi. It also means adjusting appropriate lifestyle measures including diet, exercise and sleep hygiene to reduce the risk of headaches. Since headaches can be a warning of more severe underlying disease states, it is important to consult with a physician in a timely manner.

As with many conditions, hypertension, high blood pressure headaches, and migraines typically start with changes in lifestyle, and that can make all the difference. It isnt always a cure, but for many people every single day, changing a few of their habits and behaviors causes significant changes in their bodies for the better.

Don’t Miss: How To Check High Blood Pressure

Medicines That Can Cause Headaches

Headaches can also occur as a result of certain non-prescription and prescription medicines and supplements. To find what is causing the headache, one would need to inform their doctor about the medicines, which they are taking. Generally, any headache expert or specialist can help to rightly identify the drugs that trigger the headache. Some variety of medications which are taken to treat other conditions, but can cause or aggravate a headache are:

In General There Does Not Appear To Be An Association Between High Blood Pressure And Headache

Importantly, here we are talking about general increased blood pressure and not a hypertensive emergency that is discussed a little later. An article outlining some new treatments for extremely high uncontrolled blood pressure is linked here. ;Many articles, book chapters and other publications have previously, or continue to report that there is an association between high blood pressure and headaches. It has certainly been documented that very, very high blood pressure can cause headache, but does high blood pressure to a lesser degree cause headache? Many of the early studies that looked at this failed to account for a large number of other possible causes of headache.

Recently better-designed studies have looked at this and most have demonstrated that there is not an association between the high blood pressure and headache. This is even true for moderate or severely elevated high blood pressure. The studies appear to be believable and have used robust methods of blood pressure monitoring including wearable blood pressure monitors.

Recommended Reading: Is High Blood Pressure Heart Disease

RELATED ARTICLES

Popular Articles