how do you feel when you have high blood pressure - #13242
I am really struggling with this high blood pressure thing, it's been confusing and honestly kinda scary. I went to the doc last week, and they told me my blood pressure was sky-high, like 150 over 95 or something. I felt totally fine before that, just a bit more tired than usuall, you know? Now, all that I'm thinking about is how do you feel when you have high blood pressure? I was reading online about symptoms, but what I found is kinda contradictory and I guess I feel like I might be missing something. Is it really possible to feel normal and still have high blood pressure? Cuz honestly, other than a headache that comes and goes, I’m not experiencing those typical symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. I mean, some folks say they feel dizzy or anxious, and I wonder if that's contributing to my worries. So back to my main question—how do you feel when you have high blood pressure? Does it help to know or feel anything at all or should I just focus on managing it? Should I be on alert for anything else? I’ve considered diet changes, like cutting back on salt because I read that can help, but I’m kinda lost here. Thanks for any advice!!!
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Doctors’ responses
When it comes to high blood pressure, or hypertension, many people can actually feel pretty normal, which is why it’s often called the “silent killer.” It’s very possible to feel fine and yet have elevated blood pressure without any obvious symptoms. Some people, however, might experience headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or occasionally feel anxious—these can be linked to high blood pressure but aren’t definitive indicators for everyone. The crucial part is not trying to base your understanding solely on how you feel. Symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath aren’t usually related unless your blood pressure is causing significant problems or complications. Focusing on managing your blood pressure actively is indeed a wise approach. Monitoring your blood pressure at home, following your doctor’s treatment plan, and making lifestyle changes are key steps in management. Cutting back on salt and sodium in your diet can indeed make a difference as excessive salt intake is closely linked to high blood pressure. You might also consider regular exercise and possibly, weight loss if it’s relevant to you, both are effective ways to lower blood pressure. Be consistent with doctor follow-ups to monitor progress. Stay vigilant for any sudden or severe symptoms, like severe headaches, vision changes, confusion, or chest pain, and seek medical attention immediately if they occur. Nevertheless, while you may not feel ongoing symptoms, don’t let that stop you from taking the necessary steps to manage and keep within healthy levels.
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