High Blood Pressure and Headache

High blood pressure can be difficult to recognize without measuring it with a blood pressure monitor, as most people do not experience any symptoms.

Headache is a symptom mostly experienced by people with high blood pressure and should not be ignored.

High blood pressure also known as hypertension is a condition that is commonly affecting people.

It has no symptoms but can be a strong indicator of increased risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

It is important to get the blood pressure monitored every six months by a medical professional.

High blood pressure can lead to headaches. There are some studies that show no connection between the two while others show a strong connection.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA),headache cannot be a symptom of high blood pressure except in hypertensive cases.⁽¹⁾

Very high blood pressure can lead to a condition known as malignant hypertension, which is also referred to as a hypertensive crisis.

The hypertensive crisis causes pressure in the cranium to build up. It results due to the sudden rise of the blood pressure to critical levels. The headache due to it is different from that caused by migraine or head pain.

The headache of malignant hypertension is accompanied by blurred vision, chest pain and nausea.

Whatever the cause be, those with headache, look for quick relief. If suffering from high blood pressure and are on medication, be careful before choosing an option to treat the headache.

These are the natural ways to treat headaches without taking any medication. It can be easily consumed at home.

Headache is sometimes caused by inflammation and these inflammatory foods can help relieve them. The anti-inflammatories include:

• flaxseeds
• blueberries
• beets
• celery

Avoiding white flour and eating whole grains can help in getting rid of the headaches.

Whole grains are known to reduce blood sugar levels and can also help in headaches related to migraine and high blood pressure.

Essential oil such as peppermint oil and lavender oil soothes the central nervous system.

These oils can provide relief from the pounding headache caused by stress.

Drinking caffeine in excess can increase the frequency of headaches along with increasing blood pressure.⁽²⁾

Always keep a check on the caffeine intake. Also, if you leave caffeine, you can get headaches as a withdrawal symptom.

Certain over the counter medications such as aspirin are common headache treatments.

You can take these medications if the blood pressure is well managed. Aspirin is also recommended to some people with a high risk of stroke

If you are suffering from headaches frequently, it is important to determine the cause. There can be triggering factors such as diet, mental issues, and circulation problems. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to get to the root cause.

If not diagnosed or treated, high blood pressure can lead to kidney damage, heart disease, seizures, and other serious complications.

If diagnosed with high blood pressure and there is a feeling of pressure building in the skull, consult your healthcare provider right away.

High blood pressure is a serious illness and can be managed in various ways. Similarly, recurring headache is a cause of concern. It is important to get both the conditions treated.

Both blood pressure and headache are related and therefore, it is important to speak with a doctor. Prompt treatment of headaches related to blood pressure minimizes the risk of side effects.