High blood pressure is among the most common chronic illnesses. About 47% of adults [1] in the U.S. suffer from hypertension. If someone has consistently high blood pressure readings above 130/80 mm/Hg, they may be diagnosed with hypertension. 

High blood pressure may cause hypertensive headaches. Some people with high blood pressure may experience headaches when their blood pressure is high. But, it’s important to note that there’s conflicting evidence on whether high blood pressure causes headaches or not. 

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure refers to the pressure of blood flowing through blood vessels in the body. Medical providers measure blood pressure using a cuff on the arm. The pressure is measured in units of mmHg. There are two measurements in a blood pressure reading- the systolic pressure, which is the maximum amount of pressure your heart produces when it pumps out blood. The systolic pressure is the higher number. The diastolic pressure, the lower number, is the amount of pressure that’s measured in between heartbeats.

High blood pressure is a condition in which the pressure of the blood vessels is higher than normal. Increased pressure in the vessels increases the pressure on the heart as it pumps blood throughout the body.

If someone has consistently high blood pressure readings of 130/80 mm/Hg or above, this is considered high blood pressure. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to other illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Does high blood pressure cause headaches?

High blood pressure often has no symptoms. That said, high blood pressure may cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or blurry vision. However, the evidence is conflicting regarding whether high blood pressure causes headaches. 

Most high quality studies do not show a relationship between headaches and hypertension, except in cases of very high blood pressure known as hypertensive crises [3]. If untreated, hypertensive crises may lead to swelling in the brain, and ultimately brain damage or death. A hypertensive crisis may occur if the blood pressure reaches 180/120 mm/Hg or higher. 

Patients experiencing a hypertensive crisis may have symptoms such as:

• Nausea.
• Dizziness.
• Chest pain.
• Blurred vision.
• Shortness of breath.
• Confusion.
• Seizures.
• Nosebleeds.

A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical help to lower the patient's blood pressure. If anyone may be experiencing a hypertensive crisis, it’s important to go to a hospital or call for help right away.

What are other symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure usually requires treatment, either with diet and lifestyle changes or medication. Some patients experience symptoms of high blood pressure, although often high blood pressure does not have any symptoms. Most people only find out their blood pressure is high after a physician checks their blood pressure. If one were to experience symptoms of hypertension, they might include:

• Dizziness.
• Flushing.
• Blood spots in the eyes (also known as subconjunctival hemorrhage).

As discussed earlier in the article, high blood pressure won’t necessarily lead to headaches. Typically, headaches and nosebleeds only happen to people with hypertensive crises. 

It’s important to have regular consultations with a physician to check one’s blood pressure. By having a yearly physical, the doctor can complete a routine physical exam, including a blood pressure check. 

If a patient’s blood pressure is elevated during a checkup, their doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce blood pressure. If a patient’s blood pressure is consistently elevated at each visit, the doctor may recommend medication to bring down their blood pressure.

How to treat hypertensive headaches

For patients with high blood pressure, it’s very important to consult a doctor if they experience a moderate to severe headache that doesn’t resolve quickly. 

For most people, taking an over-the-counter medication for pain is safe. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), are also called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs). It’s possible to purchase these medications without a doctor’s prescription. However, taking certain NSAIDs frequently and/or over a long period of time may increase blood pressure in some people, which is one of the reasons it’s best to check with a doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.

Aspirin [4] is also an effective and affordable over-the-counter medication for headaches. Taking aspirin helps to reduce the production of prostaglandins, a hormone that causes pain.

Takeaways

High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a widespread medical condition that affects many people. While some people may experience headaches due to high blood pressure, it’s unlikely unless someone is experiencing a hypertensive crisis (a rare but serious medical emergency).

For those with moderate to severe headaches, it’s best to seek urgent care in person or go to an emergency room. For those who have questions about headaches and/or want medical advice related to mild headache symptoms, doctors at HealthTap can help. 

HealthTap’s primary care doctors can provide customized treatment plans and advice for high blood pressure and headaches. If the doctor decides the patient needs prescription medication, they may send it to the patient’s preferred pharmacy. Contact HealthTap today to connect with a primary care doctor.