Mar 31, 2022

Healthcare

Prescriptions

Can High Blood Pressure Cause Headaches?

head pain

From dehydration to seasonal allergies, headaches are a symptom of numerous health conditions. Is it from stress? Do you have an ear infection? Or maybe, it’s a problem with your tooth? It can be challenging to trace the exact cause of it. 

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer because it often has little to no symptoms. However, experts say there is a link between headaches and high blood pressure. 

What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Over half of adults in the United States live with high blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension. While it is common for our blood pressure to rise throughout the day, people with hypertension experience above-average numbers consistently. 

Stages of blood pressure 

There are four stages of blood pressure. These phases include:

  • Normal- systolic less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg

  • Elevated(Prehypertension)- systolic between 120-129 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg

  • Hypertension Stage 1- systolic between 130-139 mm Hg or diastolic between 80-89 mm Hg

  • Hypertension Stage 2-systolic at least 140 mm Hg or diastolic at least 90 mm Hg

Treatment options for high blood pressure

Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to severe health conditions when not treated or managed correctly:

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will most likely recommend lifestyle changes and medication. 

These lifestyle changes include: 

  • Managing stress

  • Eating a healthy diet

  • Cutting back on sodium and caffeine 

  • Limiting alcohol intake

  • Quitting smoking

  • Losing weight

  • Increasing exercise 

 Prescription drugs that are often used for hypertension include:

High blood pressure and headaches 

As mentioned above, high blood pressure rarely, if ever, presents with symptoms. However, research has linked headaches to high blood pressure during a hypertension crisis, when blood pressure is above 180/120 mm Hg. 

When blood pressure reaches severely high levels, it can cause excess pressure on the brain and blood vessels to leak. The leakage causes swelling, giving the brain little room to expand. 

As a result, a person may experience a headache in addition to:

  • nausea

  • confusion

  • dizziness

  • weakness

  • blurred vision

  • seizures

While headaches from high blood pressure are rare, if you are experiencing a hypertension crisis, seek medical attention right away for level one neuro emergency care.

How to treat headaches 

Headaches can usually be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications and lifestyle changes for an otherwise healthy person. Always consult your physician before taking any medicines, vitamins, or supplements. 

OTC pain reliever medications

Acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) are OTC medicines used for headaches. 

Some of these may interact with other drugs and lead to gastrointestinal complications if taken too long. 

Prescription medicines

Beta-blockers, like ​​propranolol, used to treat high blood pressure, are sometimes prescribed to treat recurring migraines. 

Lifestyle changes

Many of the same lifestyle changes that help lower blood pressure also help with headaches. These include:

  • Changes to diet

  • Reduce stress

  • Cut back or eliminate caffeine and alcohol

  • Quit smoking

  • Increase physical activity

When to see a doctor

You should continually monitor your blood pressure, especially if you are at risk for hypertension. While you can check your blood pressure at home, you should also have a healthcare professional check it at least once a year. 

Occasional headaches from things like stress or hunger typically go away with at-home treatment. However, if you have unexplained, frequent, and/or worsening headaches, you should see a doctor.

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