Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Signs and symptoms of high blood pressure are relatively uncommon. For most people, it takes several years for signs and symptoms of high blood pressure to become noticeable. In those cases where signs and symptoms of high blood pressure are evident, people may experience headaches, blurred vision, nausea, or dizziness.

 

Will Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure Make Me Aware of the Condition?

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is often referred to as "the silent killer," as most people with the condition don't experience any signs and symptoms of high blood pressure. High blood pressure doesn't cause problems over a short period of time. It usually takes several years for high blood pressure to cause noticeable symptoms; even then, the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure are often mild and nonspecific (meaning they could be caused by several different conditions).
 
Unfortunately, by the time most people experience signs and symptoms of high blood pressure, serious damage has often already been done to vital body structures. The only real way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure taken by your healthcare provider. People with high blood pressure typically don't even realize they have it until they have blood pressure readings that are too high.
 

Common Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

In some cases, a person can display signs and symptoms of high blood pressure, such as:
 
 
  • Headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness.
     
Many people don't seek medical care until they have more severe symptoms from the organ damage that long-term (chronic) high blood pressure can cause.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD