High Blood Pressure Symptoms

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It is important to check your blood pressure readings regularly and to know your numbers. That’s because high blood pressure usually does not cause  symptoms  until it has also caused serious problems. Blood pressure above 180/120  mm HG is too high and requires medical attention, especially if you have symptoms. Blood pressure this high can damage your organs.

If your blood pressure is 180/120 but you don’t have symptoms, wait 5 minutes and check your blood pressure again. If it is still high, call your healthcare provider who may recommend starting a medicine or changing your dose.

If the second measurement is also high and if you have any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1:

• A sudden, severe headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden, severe pain in your abdomen, chest, or back
• Numbness or weakness
• A sudden change in vision
• Problems talking

Do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own.

Undiagnosed or uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems such as:

• Aneurysm
• Stroke
• Chronic kidney disease
• Eye damage
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Atherosclerosis ( plaque  buildup in your  arteries )
• Vascular dementia

Watch this video to learn more about why high blood pressure is such a problem.