Is headache a symptom of high blood pressure?

Is headache a symptom of high blood pressure?

Headache is a common symptom of various medical conditions. Migraine, tension headaches, dengue fever, and brain tumors also cause headaches. Besides, pain is a subjective feeling based on the patient's pain tolerance and psychology. The studies find that hypertensive patients are more attentive to headache symptoms, which happen more often than others. 

The higher the blood pressure, the more headache?

According to some studies, headaches in patients with blood pressure values ​​between 140 - < 180 mmHg are less related to hypertension than other causes (insomnia, stress, migraine headaches, etc.). Studies on people wearing a 24-hour blood pressure monitor show that blood pressure is unrelated to headaches. Although the symptom reported up to 30%, they did not experience headaches at the highest blood pressure!

Some research shows a weak connection between diastolic blood pressure (small number) and headache symptoms, while systolic blood pressure (large number) has no relation.

So when should you visit the doctor?

• Blood pressure rises above the dangerous threshold of 180/120 mmHg.

• When systolic (large number) is > 180 or diastolic (small number) > 120 mmHg. This condition develops complications of a stroke, heart attack, aortic dissection, retinopathy, etc.

Unusual headache 

Headaches that suddenly appear and are more intensive than usual, plus other symptoms:

• Chest pain (pain in the left chest, radiating to the shoulder, lower jaw, or back)

• Blurry vision, double vision

• Clumsy speech, distorted mouth, weak limbs

• Vomiting

• Shortness of breath

• Less urinating

Specific causes of headache by high blood pressure need to see a doctor for timely treatment.

• Pregnant women who have headaches with hypertension and leg edema must be alert for eclampsia/pre-eclampsia.

• Cluster headache accompany by palpitations, sweating, rapid heart rate.

• Morning headaches, loud snoring, yawning/sleep apnea must alert for Sleep apnea syndrome after waking up.

Summary

• There are many causes of headaches, not just high blood pressure. Statistically, most mild hypertension does not cause headaches.

• Taking prescribed medicine, scheduling follow-up visits, and monitoring regularly are the best ways to reduce hypertensive complications.

• Be wary of dangerous signs and promptly see a doctor.