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High blood pressure is a significant factor in heart disease. Is there a connection between headaches and high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common condition in the U.S. and plays a major role in heart disease. Moreover, it’s known as the “silent killer” because it generally has little to no symptoms.

Hypertension can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Because of this, it’s important to get regular checkups with a medical professional to monitor your blood pressure.

Even so, some people with high blood pressure report experiencing headaches – but are headaches and high blood pressure related?

Headaches and High Blood Pressure

headaches and high blood pressureWhile some studies suggest there is no connection between headaches and high blood pressure, others say otherwise. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), headaches are not a symptom of high blood pressure.

The only exception in this case is during a hypertensive crisis, which is when readings are higher than 180/20 mm Hg. During a hypertensive crisis, the extreme blood pressure can damage blood vessels and lead to a stroke.

Also known as malignant hypertension, the high blood pressure in this case can build pressure in the cranium. As a result, you may feel a headache that’s different from regular head pain or migraines.

Using aspirin or other traditional headache remedies will prove ineffective in these cases. Furthermore, you can experience additional symptoms like nausea, blurry vision, and chest pain.

If experiencing a hypertensive crisis, call 911 or get to an emergency room right away.

Determining the Cause

If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing headaches, it’s important to figure out what’s causing them. In addition to hypertension, there are other factors that could be at play like dietary concerns or mental health issues.

Visit your primary care physician and find out if you need to better manage your blood pressure levels. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, kidney damage, and other issues, so it’s important to diagnose it on time.

If you do have high blood pressure and feel headaches, get medical assistance. The building pressure could be a sign of a hypertensive crisis that needs to be taken care of right away.

The Outlook

High blood pressure plays a major factor in heart disease, but the right treatments can help manage the condition. While headaches are not necessarily a symptom of hypertension, it’s important to be aware of the cause behind them.

If you’re experiencing chronic headaches and have hypertension, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Headaches while having high blood pressure may be a sign of a hypertensive crisis, which can be fatal.

In addition to keeping an eye out for these symptoms, it’s important to manage your blood pressure levels effectively. Practicing healthy habits like regular exercise and a well-balanced diet can go a long way in improving circulation.

You can also try heart supplements like L-arginine Plus to help your body naturally increase your blood flow and more. Try L-arginine Plus along with exercise and a healthy diet to support your blood pressure and overall heart health.