A high blood pressure Symptom May or May NOT be present. But how would you know?

Q - Can I have hypertension and not know it?

A - Yes. It's possible not to have any high blood pressure symptom and yet still have high blood pressure. That's why it is called the silent killer. People with essential hypertension don't commonly have symptoms. However when complications start to develop, the symptoms of complications can start to manifest. In cases of secondary hypertension the symptoms are the symptoms of the disease that caused the hypertension.

Q - What are the High blood pressure symptoms?

A -

• In Essential Hypertension - In most cases of essential hypertension there are no notable symptoms. However some people have reported headaches and an increase in the volume of urine they pass, but in most people, no symptoms were noticed before diagnosis.


• In Complicated hypertension - Complications develop when organs of the body are damaged by hypertension. In situations like this, symptoms related to the particular organ damaged will begin to appear. For example, if the eyes begin to develop complications, symptoms like blurred vision will be seen.


• In Secondary hypertension - Will show symptoms of the disease that caused the high blood pressure. For example, if pheochromocytoma (a hormone secreting tumor) is the cause of the high blood pressure, there will be symptoms like anxiety, excessive sweating, and an increased pulse.

Q - In the absence of symptoms, how can I identify High blood Pressure early?

A - The best way to identify high blood pressure early is to have an annual blood pressure check. Those who have a higher risk may check more frequently.

Q - What do I do if I notice any of these symptoms?

A - If you notice a high blood pressure symptom, you should see your doctor immediately for a repeat measurement, and if it is confirmed you can start your treatment early. If it is diagnosed early, it may be possible to treat it successfully without drugs.

Published - June, 2006