Does High Blood Pressure Cause Headaches? Symptoms & When To Worry

How Are High Blood Pressure And Headaches Related?

Here’s the truth: for the majority of people, high blood pressure does not directly cause headaches. Surprised? Contrary to popular belief, research suggests that most people with high blood pressure do not exhibit symptoms.  

Nonetheless, there’s an exception: if blood pressure rises to critically high levels– what doctors refer to as a hypertensive crisis – you might experience the worst headache of your life. Why? An abnormal amount of pressure within the blood vessels can lead to inadequate blood supply to the brain, resulting in severe pain.

What Happens In A Hypertensive Crisis?

• Blood pressure increases more than 180/120 mmHg.
• Added strain creates stress for blood vessels within the brain, leading to headaches.  
• Intense pain may occur if brain swelling (hypertensive encephalopathy) happens.  
• This scenario requires immediate medical attention to avoid the risk of serious complications.  

The Warning Signal Of A Hypertensive Crisis Headache

Not all headaches should raise alarm bells, but some certainly should not be disregarded. A life-threatening headache suffered during a hypertensive crisis comes as one of a multitude of alarming symptoms. Knowing what to monitor can allow you to receive the needed medical treatment in time so that life-threatening complications are avoided.

Symptoms of A Hypertensive Crisis

• Severe headache – This may be sudden, pounding, or throbbing.
• Nausea or vomiting
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Changes in vision, such as blurred vision.
• Dizziness or confusion

If you experience a headache along with any of these symptoms, you need to seek emergency medical attention right away. 

Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure & When You Should Be Concerned

Have you ever thought about why high blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer?” The answer is quite straightforward: most people who suffer from hypertension have an extremely and utterly ‘normal’ feeling, nothing out of the ordinary. 

A hypertensive crisis is life-threatening. Unlike a fever or a cold that could display telltale symptoms, damage brought by high blood pressure silently occurs to your body for years without your knowledge. 

This is why knowing what symptoms, if any, arise when blood pressure goes to dangerously high levels is crucial. So, let’s find out what you need to be careful about.

Typical Signs Of Hypertension

A lot of blood pressure problem sufferers don’t feel any issues with their body—that’s precisely for what reason it’s termed the “silent killer”. But if your cardiac blood pressure is a little bit more than what’s necessary, expect to see:

• Occasional headaches (only in acute situations) 
• Dizziness or feeling faint 
• Breathlessness 
• Seeing things that are not there 
• Pain in the chest

What Do High Blood Pressure Headaches Feel Like?

High blood pressure headaches aren’t the same as tension headaches or migraines. For starters, headaches have not been created equally. Have you ever had a horrible headache that made you question whether something went seriously wrong? The knowledge of distinction might be helpful in determining whether your headache is linked to hypertension or another cause.

Hypertension headaches are different from regular tension headaches or migraines. They are:  

• Experienced as pulses or beating pain  
• It can be extreme and occur suddenly  
• Are located towards the posterior part of the head or around the temples  
• It might come with nausea, vomiting, or changes in vision  

Do you know that even life stages like menopause can give you literal “headaches”? Read the blog Menopause and Headaches Guide: Causes and Remedies for a better understanding.

When Should You Be Concerned About Headaches & Blood Pressure?

Let’s be clear: headaches can be annoying but typically wouldn’t be classified as a medical emergency. Sleep deprivation, stress, not drinking enough water, or even missing that cup of coffee can trigger a debilitating headache. But what if your headache signifies a more serious condition?

With regard to high blood pressure, headaches are certainly different. While most people experience no symptoms with mild to moderate hypertension, severe and extreme blood pressure levels—especially in the case of a hypertensive crisis—can lead to unbearable and persistent pain. The issue is identifying when to disregard a headache and when to be alarmed.

If You Experience Sudden Sharp Pain  

Some headaches can greatly interfere with day-to-day functioning, while others can become a source of concern if the occurrence is sudden with tremendous and unrealistic sums of pain that must be taken into account and need attention as well. This can result from a hypertensive crisis or, in some cases, even result in a stroke.

Suppose a headache hits you like lightning—maximal, intense, and sudden—the likely causes are a hypertensive crisis or some other hypertensive-related serious condition like a stroke. Also, if you feel dizzy, have difficulty seeing, or feel chest pain, don’t wait—go for medical help immediately!

If You Are Having Recurring Headaches 

Recurring headaches that do not go away are a serious problem. If you also have high blood pressure, this may be an indication that your BP is mismanaged. It isn’t mandatory that the BP issue is the cause of headaches, but it is advisable to meet the doctor. 

Why Is Regular Blood Pressure Monitoring Important?

The key point here is that even in the absence of headaches, blood pressure should be monitored to avoid damage to essential body organs in the long run. Having Hypertension leaves you more exposed to serious health issues: 

• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Kidney damage 
• Vision loss

This shows the need for regular blood pressure monitoring to manage problems at the earliest stages. 

Managing High Blood Pressure To Prevent Headaches

So, reading this has equipped you with the right knowledge and information. Now, let us share the good news—the good news is that you can take action! Managing your blood pressure effectively lowers the risk of headaches and other health issues. Let us see how. 

1. Medications

For high blood pressure that cannot be managed via lifestyle changes, medication is the most effective brake. These medications work in different ways, including relaxing blood vessels and reducing fluid buildup in the body. Here are some options: 

• ACE inhibitors – blood flow is improved by widening the blood vessels. 
• Beta-blockers – heart contraction power and rate is reduced, which lowers blood pressure. 
• Diuretics help the body remove excess salt and water, resulting in less fluid retention. 
• Calcium channel blockers reduce the tension and resistance of blood vessels, which makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.

Remember: It is always best to speak to your doctor before skipping any medication or changing its dosage. Regular appointments will help validate your treatment progress! 

2. Reduce Blood Pressure Naturally: Lifestyle Modifications 

While medication can be helpful, lifestyle changes can be equally impactful—sometimes more! Here’s how you can proactively manage your health without the aid of medications: 

3. Follow A Diet That Supports Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is affected significantly by diet. A whole-food diet can make a huge difference. Consider adding: 

• Foods with high amounts of potassium, like bananas, sweet potatoes, and spinach, are helpful in neutralising sodium.
• Reduced salt intake – try to cut down on processed and packaged foods, which are usually filled with sodium.
• Fibre from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Healthy fat sources such as nuts, avocados, and olive oil.
• Lean protein sources such as fish and chicken and plant sources such as beans and lentils.

4. Train Your Body Every Day

Exercise improves your body and helps you lose weight. Studies show that it also helps significantly with blood pressure issues. Aim for moderate exercise for thirty minutes most days of the week. Here are some great movement ideas: 

• Walking or jogging
• Yoga (which is also great for managing stress!)
• Cycling
• Swimming

5. Manage Your Stress Levels

Stress can raise your blood pressure, so one of the first steps to control it is to learn how to relax the body. Some sure-fire methods include: 

• Meditation and yoga
• Listening to soothing music
• Writing or drawing your feelings
• Being outdoors 

You will feel much relieved once you give these things a try.

6. Stop Smoking Combined with Drinking

Both smoking and drinking too much make your blood pressure go higher. If you smoke constantly, it would be great if you just stopped. If you drink, try to stay within the moderation limit or even cut out the habit, which would be ideal for your health.

7. Maintain A Healthy Weight

Being overweight puts too much pressure on your heart. Doing so contributes to raised blood pressure. Simply losing 5-10% of your body weight can make a significant difference in your blood pressure numbers.

8. Stay Hydrated: Your Simple Yet Powerful Ally

Staying hydrated is a fundamental yet powerful method for balancing blood pressure levels and handling headache-related dehydration symptoms. 

If you’re not very active, set a goal to drink roughly 8 cups of water on a daily basis, and drink more if you’re active or live in a warmer area. Staying hydrated plays an important role in the health of your blood vessels, which helps keep your blood pressure under control. 

Pro tip: Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and energy drinks, should be avoided since they can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure.

Ayurveda’s Take On High Blood Pressure And Headaches

Ayurveda, the traditional system of healing that treats the body as a whole, explains that high blood pressure (or hypertension) is a consequence of an imbalance of Pitta and Vata doshas. Ayurvedic principles suggest that poor diet, stress, and an inactive lifestyle multiply these doshas, leading to hypertension and symptomatology such as headaches.

 Ayurvedic Remedies For Hypertension:

• Herbs like Arjuna and Brahmi help lower stress and are good for the heart. Any herbal medication should be used only with professional advice.
• Cooling foods like cucumbers, coconuts, and pomegranates can help pacify the Pitta dosha, thus lowering blood pressure.
• Abhyanga, the daily oil massage with suitable oil, enhances relaxation and circulation and promotes blood flow. Do you know that in Ayurveda, your personal constitution and condition determine the type of medicine used? Similarly, the choice of oil is based on your particular condition and your constitution.
• Meditation and pranayama, or controlled breathing, are effective in stress reduction and stabilising blood pressure.
• Herbal teas made from tulsi, ginger, or hibiscus can help the body maintain balanced blood pressure levels.

Ayurveda focuses on holistic healing by tackling the underlying problems of a person’s health. Nirva  Health embodies these principles by offering personal care as well as lifestyle advice to assist in better living. 

Nirva Health is dedicated to assisting individuals in having a balanced diet, proper life balance, and efficient stress relief techniques, which can holistically help control blood pressure levels without any medication, adhering to Ayurvedic principles. Following the Nirva Health guide based on Ayurveda can improve overall health and ensure that it is more balanced.

Wrapping It Up

Getting this far means you care about your health, so it’s an amazing first step! Even though high blood pressure is referred to as the “silent killer,” it is still in your power to take charge before it affects you. Every effort you put in today counts towards a healthier and happier you, be it small changes to your daily routine or professional advice.

Your life doesn’t have to be steered by high blood pressure. Pay attention to your body, take necessary breaks, and stick to your well-being routines. A bright future is achievable when you set goals and make the right decisions today. So, what do you plan to do next? Will you add an extra glass of water to today’s? Stop for a moment and breathe deeply for five minutes. Get rid of fast food and choose something healthy. Whatever your decision is, take that step today.