10 High Blood Pressure Symptoms You Should NEVER Ignore!

Summary

In this video, Dr. Freda, a triple-board-certified specialist in nephrology and hypertension, explains the different stages of blood pressure, ranging from normal to hypertensive crisis. She highlights 10 common symptoms of high blood pressure, including headaches, blurry vision, fatigue, chest pain, weakness, and more. Dr. Freda emphasizes that hypertension can often be symptomless, making it the 'silent killer.' She encourages viewers to monitor their blood pressure and consult a physician for early detection and treatment, stressing the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 😀 Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by blood on the walls of your arteries. It is measured with two numbers: systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom).
• 😀 Normal blood pressure is when systolic is less than 120 and diastolic is less than 80.
• 😀 Elevated blood pressure occurs when the systolic is between 120-129 and diastolic is less than 80.
• 😀 Stage 1 hypertension is diagnosed when the systolic is between 130-139 or diastolic is between 80-89.
• 😀 Stage 2 hypertension is diagnosed when the systolic is 140 or higher, or diastolic is 90 or higher.
• 😀 A hypertensive crisis occurs when blood pressure readings reach 180/120 or higher.
• 😀 Headaches and pounding in the ears can be a sign of high blood pressure, especially when it's very high.
• 😀 Blurry vision or vision changes can indicate hypertension, as elevated pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes.
• 😀 Fatigue or confusion can be symptoms of hypertension, caused by compromised blood flow to vital organs.
• 😀 Chest pain can be linked to hypertension, as it is a leading cause of heart attacks due to compromised blood flow to the heart.
• 😀 One of the most dangerous symptoms of hypertension is having no symptoms at all, which is why it is called the 'silent killer.' High blood pressure can cause significant damage even without noticeable symptoms.

Q & A

What is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?

Systolic blood pressure refers to the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart is contracting or squeezing, while diastolic blood pressure refers to the pressure in your vessels when your heart is relaxed.

What does a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg represent?

A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg is considered normal and healthy, where 120 is the systolic (top) number, and 80 is the diastolic (bottom) number.

What does it mean if your blood pressure is in the range of 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic?

If your systolic blood pressure is between 120 and 129 and your diastolic is less than 80, it means you have elevated blood pressure, which can increase the risk of developing hypertension.

What are the key differences between stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension?

Stage 1 hypertension is when the systolic is between 130-139 or the diastolic is between 80-89. Stage 2 hypertension occurs when the systolic is 140 or higher, or the diastolic is 90 or higher.

What is a hypertensive crisis, and when does it occur?

A hypertensive crisis occurs when blood pressure reaches 180/120 mmHg or higher. This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent severe complications like heart attack or stroke.

What is hypertensive retinopathy and how does it relate to blurry vision?

Hypertensive retinopathy is damage to the small blood vessels in the retina due to high blood pressure, which can lead to blurry vision or even vision loss.

Why can hypertension lead to fatigue or confusion?

Hypertension can reduce the effectiveness of the heart's ability to pump blood and oxygen throughout the body, leading to fatigue and confusion, especially if it affects organs like the brain and lungs.

What are the potential consequences of chest pain in people with hypertension?

Chest pain in hypertensive individuals can signal heart problems, such as a heart attack or myocardial infarction, due to impaired blood flow to the heart.

What is the connection between hypertension and stroke-related weakness?

Hypertension can lead to strokes, which may cause neurological symptoms such as facial drooping or weakness in the arms or legs. This type of weakness is a sign of potential brain damage from a stroke.

Why might back pain be a symptom of high blood pressure?

Back pain can be a symptom of an aortic dissection, a serious condition that can be triggered by very high blood pressure. It involves a tear in the aorta, which is life-threatening.

Can a person with high blood pressure experience no symptoms?

Yes, hypertension is often called the 'silent killer' because many people with dangerously high blood pressure show no symptoms. This is why regular screening is essential to detect it before complications arise.