symptoms of high bp - #18315
I am really concerned about some weird things happening to me lately, and I can't help but think they might be related to the symptoms of high bp. Last week, I was in my living room just chilling, and out of nowhere, my head started feeling heavy and I got this throbbing pain in the back. It was super weird. Then, my heart felt like it was racing for no reason at all, and I'm like, "What is going on?!" I tried to brush it off, but these symptoms of high bp didn't stop there. I've also been feeling kinda dizzy, especially when I stand up quickly. Like I could literally feel the earth moving or something! Then there's this tightness in my chest at times. I finally went to the doc and got my bp checked, and it was a bit elevated, but not super high. They told me to keep an eye on my diet and stress, but all these symptoms of high bp are making me anxious. I don’t know if it’s just in my head, or should I be more worried? What are other symptoms of high bp I should watch for, and should I be pushing for more tests? My family has history with heart issues, and I don't want to ignore this!
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Doctors' responses
High blood pressure, or hypertension, often shows no symptoms at all, earning it the nickname “silent killer” because it can lead to serious health issues without any obvious warning signs. However, when symptoms do occur with high bp, they’re usually in cases of severe or rapidly advancing hypertension. Common symptoms you’re experiencing like headaches, which can be throbbing, and dizziness, particularly when standing up suddenly, can sometimes be related to hypertension, but they can also occur for various other reasons. The racing heart sensation could be due to anxiety about your blood pressure reading, or perhaps other factors like caffeine intake or even dehydration. Chest tightness is concerning and can suggest other cardiovascular issues, so it wouldn’t be ignored. It’s good that your doctor advised keeping an eye on diet and stress, as these are significant factors in managing blood pressure. But given your family history of heart issues, it might be wise to pursue a more comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation. This could include additional lab tests, an ECG or more specialized monitoring like a 24-hour blood pressure monitor to see fluctuations over a day. Discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider again and ask if such tests are appropriate for you. In the meantime, keeping an eye on lifestyle factors is key: a balanced, low-sodium diet, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and moderating alcohol intake can make a difference. If those tightness or pressure sensations in the chest occur again, or if you experience severe, sudden symptoms, it’s critical to get immediate medical attention as those could be signs of a more urgent condition. Your vigilance is vital; it’s better to address any symptoms earlier rather than later, especially with a family history involved.
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