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What are the symptoms of high blood pressure (hypertension)?

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  1. Unfortunately, hypertension rarely causes any symptoms. This is why it is often called the "silent killer." Infrequently, hypertension might cause headaches or dizziness, but people can have these symptoms without having hypertension. Hypertension that is left untreated for a long time can cause very serious symptoms due to organ damage.

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    Unfortunately, hypertension rarely causes any symptoms. This is why it is often called the "silent killer." Infrequently, hypertension might cause headaches or dizziness, but people can have these symptoms without having hypertension. Hypertension... More
  2. Johns Hopkins Medicine
     
    Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:

    Hypertension is characterized by a persistent increase in the force that the blood exerts upon the artery walls. It is normal for this force to increase with stress or physical exertion, but with hypertension, the patient's blood pressure is high even when they're resting.

    Symptoms are rare with uncomplicated hypertension. However, the following may occur when blood pressure is dangerously high:

    • Headaches.
    • Dizziness or ringing in the ears.
    • Palpitations.
    • Nosebleeds.
    • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
    • Drowsiness or confusion.

    All adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. This practice is especially applicable if you are male, over age 40, overweight (particularly if you have been overweight since youth), sedentary, or if you have a family history of hypertension or heart disease.

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    More Related Answers from Johns Hopkins Medicine
    Hypertension is characterized by a persistent increase in the force that the blood exerts upon the artery walls. It is normal for this force to increase with stress or physical exertion, but with hypertension, the patient's blood pressure is high... More
  3. Dr. Lisa M. Knust
     
    Dr. Lisa M. Knust of Riverside Primary Care Physicians answered:

    Most often, high blood pressure does not cause any symptoms. Many people do not know their blood pressure is high unless it is checked. Symptoms that may occur include headache, dizziness, and fatigue. It is usually better to find out about high blood pressure before symptoms develop because by that time, it has often become more severe.

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    More Related Answers from Riverside Primary Care Physicians
    Most often, high blood pressure does not cause any symptoms. Many people do not know their blood pressure is high unless it is checked. Symptoms that may occur include headache, dizziness, and fatigue. It is usually better to find out about high... More

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