high blood pressure signs - #18213
I am really worried I might be dealing with some high blood pressure signs. A few weeks ago, I started to feel this weird headache that just wouldn't go away. Thought it was nothing serious at first, but then I noticed my vision was a bit off, like everything felt slightly blurry. A friend was like, "Dude, you should check your blood pressure!" So, I went to the pharmacy, and my reading was 145 over 90, which seemed high but I thought maybe it's just a fluke, right? Well, for the last few days, I've also been feeling kind of dizzy sometimes, and my chest feels a bit tight. My mom mentioned she had similar high blood pressure signs when she was younger, and I freaked out a bit. I mean, we all know that high blood pressure can lead to heart stuff, and I'm not even 30 yet! I’ve changed my diet; cutting down on salt and sugar but still feel this pressure in my head and some slight pain in my chest. I need to know what are some early high blood pressure signs? Are these symptoms common? Should I see a doctor, or could it just be anxiety? I’m not sure what to think anymore!
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Doctors' responses
Your experience with persistent headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, and chest tightness aligns with some classic signs of high blood pressure, or hypertension. It’s important to recognize that such symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, as they can indicate elevated blood pressure that could potentially lead to serious health issues if not addressed. While it’s true that stress and anxiety can sometimes mimic these symptoms, the reading you got of 145/90 mmHg does indeed suggest elevated blood pressure, as normal readings are typically considered below 120/80 mmHg. Early signs of high blood pressure can sometimes be subtle and include headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, dizziness, or changes in vision. That being said, many people with high blood pressure don’t experience symptoms at all, earning it the nickname, “the silent killer.” Given your symptoms and the familial history you mentioned, it’s advisable to take this seriously. You should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to get your blood pressure checked accurately over multiple readings and discuss your symptoms. Your doctor might recommend lifestyle modifications beyond just dietary changes, like increasing physical activity or quitting smoking, if applicable. In some cases, medication might be necessary to control your blood pressure. It’s critical not to self-diagnose or assume it’s just anxiety without professional evaluation, especially with the possibility of experiencing chest pain—this shouldn’t be taken lightly. Your doctor may also discuss monitoring your blood pressure at home regularly. Lastly, don’t delay seeking medical attention if your symptoms suddenly worsen or you feel severe chest pain, as this can require urgent care.
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