Can High Blood Pressure Cause Tiredness
There is a possible connection between high blood pressure and experiencing feelings of fatigue.There is also the possibility that it is a sign of a disease that is already present.If the high blood pressure is not managed, it can develop to a number of significant consequences, any one of which can induce exhaustion.Lets take a more in-depth look at some of the potential ways in which having high blood pressure might lead to a sensation of exhaustion or tiredness.
Weather Changes Can Affect Migraine Symptoms A New Article In Medical News Today Cites Amf In A Discussion Of Barometric Pressure Headaches And Migraine
Medical News Today delved into barometric pressure headaches and migraine in their latest article, which cites AMF data. For more information on barometric pressures effect on migraine, watch this recent with Dr. Cynthia Armand, M.D., hosted by AMF. Learn more about causes, preventative techniques and treatment options here.
Reviewed for accuracy by the American Migraine Foundations subject matter experts, headache specialists and medical advisers with deep knowledge and training in headache medicine. to read about our editorial board members.
Font Size
High Blood Pressure And Headaches At The Same Time Without One Causing The Other
There have been numerous other studies trying to find links between other types of headaches and high blood pressures. However, none of them have consistently proven direct links. Here are some interesting findings about the relationship between high blood pressure and migraine headaches.
A study comparing high blood pressure patients with headaches and high blood pressure patients without headaches
Some patients with high blood pressure have headaches and others dont. This study wanted to see if having both high blood pressure and headaches is worse than high blood pressure without headaches. They wanted to see if perhaps headaches associated with high blood pressure meant that those high blood pressure patients had a worse kind of high blood pressure. This study was published in the American Journal of Hypertension in 2016. They followed 1,914 patients for 30 years. They initially marked them as having high blood pressure with headaches and high blood pressure without headaches. At the end of the 30 years, they tracked those patients and found out that 580 of them died from a heart attack and 97 of them died from a stroke.
A study comparing the blood pressures of patients visiting the emergency department with headaches to the blood pressures of patients visiting the emergency department without headaches
A study comparing the association between high blood pressure and migraine headaches in patients visiting the ER in northern Manhattan
References:
Read Also: Heart Attack Normal Blood Pressure
Does High Blood Pressure Cause Headaches And Chest Pain
Its possible that baroreceptor-mediated hypoalgesia, which is caused as the systolic pressure rises, might have a role to making headaches less common in persons whose blood pressure is too high.What about discomfort in the chest?Pain in the chest can be a symptom of a number of different medical conditions, the most common of which are heart attacks and other cardiovascular disorders.
Weather And Altitude Changes

A person may experience a headache, or a worsened headache, due to:
- sudden changes in temperature or humidity
- high or low levels of temperature or humidity
- a storm, which changes the barometric pressure
- changes in altitude, such as during plane travel
Depending on the type and exact cause of a headache, a person may benefit from taking:
- over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- acetaminophen
- medications called triptans, which treat migraine and cluster headaches
A doctor may prescribe other or additional treatments, depending on a persons specific symptoms.
Also Check: Claritin Side Effects Blood Pressure
Lifestyle Changes That Can Reduce High Blood Pressure And Headaches
- An early morning walk will improve circulation and reduce stress.
- Adding lots of green, leafy vegetables and anti-inflammatory foods to your diet is another way to make sure that your blood pressure stays healthy.
- Potassium and magnesium are essential minerals for anyone looking to be heart-healthy.
Can Having A Migraine Attack Or Being In Pain Cause High Blood Pressure
As mentioned above, being in pain or stress, or being anxious, can cause blood pressure elevation. If this situation happens on a frequent basis and your blood pressure keeps becoming elevated to the point that it is considered high, you may be in a situation similar to white coat hypertension and should be monitored over the next few years by your health care provider to see if you develop hypertension.
Recommended Reading: Claritin Raise Blood Pressure
Headaches And Hypertensive Crisis
Headaches are generally not a symptom of hypertension. However, there is one exception. Along with other symptoms, a severe headache can be a symptom of severe hypertension, also known as hypertensive crisis. This condition occurs when a persons blood pressure is extremely high, exceeding 180/120.
Hypertensive crisis may have additional symptoms, including
Pounding in your chest, neck, or ears Chest pain Blood in the urine
If your blood pressure is extremely high and you have any of these symptoms, rest for 5 minutes and check your blood pressure again. If the reading remains above 180/120, its a medical emergency. See a doctor immediately and call 911 for emergency assistance. A hypertensive crisis can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. These symptoms may also indicate other serious health conditions, so seek medical care right away.
I have the app, its great. I take my BP every morning and share it with my doctor. Thanks to the developers of this app. Ingrid B. Download FREE on the Apple App Store and
Understanding Blood Pressure Migraine And Headache
Its called the silent killer.
You may have it and not even know it. Researchers estimate that 1 in 3 adults in the United States have it and only about half of those people have it under control.
This silent killer often has no symptoms. Thats what makes it so dangerous.
For some people, though, the rules dont seem to apply. They do have symptoms and they come in the form of headaches high blood pressure migraines.
These hypertension headaches can be particularly brutal. The pain can be located on the top of the head, squeezing like a vise, or it can be more like a migraine with many of the same symptoms. People often refer to this as blood pressure migraine. Are these headaches related to the increase in blood pressure or is something else going on? A number of doctors will say that individuals do not experience headaches with high blood pressure those who have experienced it beg to differ.
We conducted extensive research on this type of headache, reviewing more than 10 journals, studies, and scholarly articles to get to the bottom of this issue and hopefully clear up some misconceptions. We also talked to Arif Dalvi MD, MBA, Director of the Comprehensive Movement Disorders Center at the Palm Beach Neuroscience Institute so that he could shed some light on this complex condition.
Also Check: Best Medicine To Lower Blood Pressure
Causes Of Sudden Drops In Blood Pressure
A sudden drop of blood pressure is more likely to cause symptoms of hypotension, such as headache, fatigue, and dizziness. Sudden drops in blood pressure may be life-threatening, depending on the cause.
Orthostatic hypotension is a common cause of sudden blood pressure drop that occurs with standing. This can be caused or worsened by dehydration, certain medications , problems with the nervous system , and Parkinson’s disease.
The Link Between These Two Conditions Is Complicated And Worth Discussing With Your Doctor
Many people who lead reasonably healthy lives are surprised when they find out that they have high blood pressure. High blood pressure affects one in three adults in the U.S.1 Often, people dont show symptoms, which is why high blood pressure can lead to health problems such as heart attacks, heart disease, and strokes.2
Recommended Reading: Reverse Pulmonary Hypertension
Also Check: Pain Increase Blood Pressure
What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
- Will my child grow out of their migraines?
- What medications do you recommend for me?
- What should I change about my lifestyle to prevent my migraine headaches?
- Should I get tested?
- What type of migraine do I have?
- What can my friends and family do to help?
- Are my migraines considered chronic?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Migraine headaches can be devastating and make it impossible to go to work, school or experience other daily activities. Fortunately, there are some ways to possibly prevent a migraine and other ways to help you manage and endure the symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to keep migraines from ruling your life.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/03/2021.
References
Recommended Reading: Do Onions Lower Blood Pressure
Low Blood Pressure And Headaches

A normal blood pressure is considered less than 120/80 milligrams of mercury . The top number is called the systolic reading and the bottom number is the diastolic reading. They correspond to the different parts of the heart’s beating cycle.
Hypotension occurs when blood pressure is low and causes symptoms. This varies by individual. For example, someone whose resting blood pressure is typically high may experience symptoms of low blood pressure at a higher level than another individual.
While there is no specific cutoff for blood pressure to be called hypotension, a blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg in an otherwise healthy person may be considered low.
Headaches can have a range of causes. Low blood pressure is just one of many possibilities.
Don’t Miss: Is Pulmonary Hypertension Reversible
What Should I Do If My Blood Pressure Is High And I Feel Dizzy
A blood pressure reading that is exceedingly high is a warning that a medical emergency exists and calls for quick care. The sensation of fainting and feeling dizzy can be brought on by a variety of circumstances. Talk to your primary care physician if you are concerned about any of these symptoms or any other concerning signs.
What Can Trigger A Hypertension Migraine
High blood pressure is the trigger behind a hypertension migraine, and usually, blood pressure has to be around 200/100 or higher to result in these types of headaches. When blood pressure is this high, it qualifies as a medical emergency, and immediate medical attention is needed. Autoregulation, a process of the body that works to figure out and control blood supply, results in the blood vessels in the skull constricting, which can cause the extreme pain of the headache.
Also Check: Does Claritin Affect Blood Pressure
Headaches From High Blood Pressure An Expert Md Explains
Is it possible that your headache is actually due to high blood pressure? If your blood pressure is a little high momentarily, you may not have any symptoms. If your blood pressure is high most of the time, you also may not have any symptoms but, over time, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease and stroke.
What is dangerously high blood pressure, and what symptoms can you have if your blood pressure is dangerously high? In this article, we will briefly discuss high blood pressure and touch upon whether high blood pressure can be a cause of headache and/or migraine.
Have At Least 5 Servings Of Fruits And Vegetables A Day
A healthy diet is crucial for reducing and maintaining optimal levels of blood pressure. It is important to have at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day to keep your blood pressure in control, according to the expert. Include fruits and vegetables in your diet that contain nutrients such as potassium and magnesium that help alleviate BP levels.
Don’t Miss: Can Claritin D Cause High Blood Pressure
Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly
Because hypertension usually has no symptoms, everyone should have their blood pressure measured regularly. The American Heart Association recommends that adults with normal blood pressure should have their blood pressure checked at their annual health visits. If you have high blood pressure or if youre concerned about your blood pressure you can check it more often by measuring your blood pressure at home with a digital monitor that incorporates a cuff. Wrist and finger monitors are also available, but none of the devices currently on the market have received approval from the American Heart Association because they may not measure blood pressure accurately.
Other Inconclusively Related Symptoms
A variety of symptoms may be indirectly related to, but are not always caused by, high blood pressure, such as:
- Blood spots in the eyes: Blood spots in the eyes are more common in people with diabetes or high blood pressure, but neither condition causes the blood spots. Floaters in the eyes are also not related to high blood pressure. However, an eye doctor may be able to detect damage to the optic nerve caused by untreated high blood pressure.
- Facial flushing: Facial flushing occurs when blood vessels in the face dilate. It can occur unpredictably or in response to certain triggers such as sun exposure, cold weather, spicy foods, wind, hot drinks and skin-care products. Facial flushing can also occur with emotional stress, exposure to heat or hot water, alcohol consumption and exercise all of which can raise blood pressure temporarily. While facial flushing may occur while your blood pressure is higher than usual, high blood pressure is not the cause of facial flushing.
- Dizziness: While dizziness can be a side effect of some blood pressure medications, it is not caused by high blood pressure. However, dizziness should not be ignored, especially if the onset is sudden. Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination and trouble walking are all warning signs of a stroke. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke.
Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.
Also Check: Vertigo Hypertension
When Does High Blood Pressure Cause Headaches
The truth is, Dr. Laffin says, slightly elevated blood pressure doesnt cause headaches in most people.
While your blood pressure is a good measure of your health and your risk for certain conditions, having mild or moderate hypertension isnt likely to cause headaches.
The vast majority of people have no symptoms whatsoever from high blood pressure, says Dr. Laffin. But he notes that its likely that if your blood pressure spikes to an unusually high level, you may have symptoms including a headache.
If you have a sudden, intense headache thats significantly worse than usual and your blood pressure is elevated, you should seek medical attention, stresses Dr. Laffin.
Its important to pay close attention to any spikes in your blood pressure because it could be a sign of a bigger issue, like a stroke. So, be sure to listen to your bodys warning signs and contact your healthcare provider if your blood pressure has spiked significantly and isnt coming down.
How Can You Bring Your Blood Pressure Down Quickly

How Can I Safely Lower My Blood Pressure in the Shortest Amount of Time?
You May Like: Mayo Clinic High Blood Pressure Diet
What Are The Early Warning Signs Of High Blood Pressure
What Are The Symptoms Of Hypertension Headache
Headaches associated with Hypertension are often describes as pulsating and throbbing and will often occur in the morning. However, it has been reported that hypertension can cause classic symptoms of Tension-Type Headache and Migraine .
Symptoms of Hypertension |
Pulsating, throbbing early morning headache |
Shortness of breath |
Chest pain |
Also Check: Can Mild Pulmonary Hypertension Be Reversed
What Are The Symptoms Of An Ocular Migraine
The most common ocular migraine symptom is a small blind spot that impairs your central vision in one eye.
This blind spot expands, making it difficult to drive safely or read using the affected eye.
In addition to the flickering blind spot, other migraine symptoms include:
- A colorful light ring that is wavy or zigzag and surrounds a central blind spot
- A blind spot that slowly migrates across your field of vision
- A migraine lasting between 4 and 42 hours
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Vision loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- A headache that feels worse when you move your head
If you have blind spots or other visual symptoms and arent sure whether it’s an ocular migraine or a visual migraine, cover one eye at a time and observe your sense of sight. If the visual disturbance affects one eye only, it is most likely an ocular migraine.
The More We Know About The Relationship Between High Blood Pressure And Migraines The More We Will Be Able To Understand And Treat Them
Lets explore this connection and how it might impact your life in a serious way!
HBP, or hypertension, is when your systolic and diastolic blood pressures readings are consistently above the levels your doctor considers healthy
HBP can be caused by several factors, including genetics, age, family health history, lack of exercise, and poor diet. It can also be influenced by other conditions like diabetes or kidney issues. High BP is not considered a diseasein itself rather its typically seen as a classic risk factor for many other conditions
Also Check: Low Blood Pressure Heart Disease