High Blood Pressure: 15 Warning Signs, Blood Pressure Numbers and How to Lower It Naturally
High blood pressure is one of the most common health problems affecting adults. The worrying thing is that you can have high blood pressure for years without knowing it.
That is why high blood pressure is sometimes called a “silent” condition. A person can feel perfectly well while their blood pressure is gradually putting extra strain on the heart, blood vessels and other organs.
In this guide, we explain what blood pressure numbers mean, the possible warning signs, common causes and practical lifestyle changes that may help lower blood pressure.
Important: This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis.
Quick question: What is your blood pressure?
If you have recently checked your blood pressure, understanding the two numbers can be confusing.
Systolic is the top number and diastolic is the bottom number.
For example, a reading of 120/80 mmHg means a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood around your body.
Your blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day. It can increase temporarily when you are exercising, stressed, excited or anxious.
However, if your blood pressure remains consistently high, it can place additional strain on your cardiovascular system.
Over time, untreated high blood pressure can increase the risk of serious health problems including heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
What Do the Two Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?
A blood pressure reading contains two numbers.
Systolic blood pressure
The systolic number is the higher number. It measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood.
Diastolic blood pressure
The diastolic number is the lower number. It measures the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats, when your heart is resting.
For example:
130 / 80 mmHg
Here, 130 is the systolic pressure and 80 is the diastolic pressure.
What Blood Pressure Is Considered High?
Blood pressure categories can vary slightly depending on whether the reading is taken at home, in a clinic or during a medical assessment.
In the UK, healthcare professionals generally do not diagnose hypertension from a single blood pressure reading. Repeated measurements may be needed to confirm whether blood pressure is consistently elevated.
This is particularly important because blood pressure can temporarily increase because of stress, caffeine, exercise, illness or anxiety.
15 Possible Warning Signs Associated With Very High Blood Pressure
Most people with high blood pressure do not experience obvious symptoms. That is why regular blood pressure checks are important.
When blood pressure becomes extremely high, however, symptoms may occur.
1. Severe headache
A severe or unusual headache can sometimes occur with very high blood pressure, although headaches have many other possible causes.
2. Blurred vision
Changes in vision can occur when blood pressure becomes dangerously high and affects blood vessels supplying the eyes.
3. Dizziness
Dizziness can have many causes. It should not automatically be attributed to high blood pressure.
4. Shortness of breath
Breathlessness can be associated with cardiovascular problems and should be assessed if it is persistent or severe.
5. Chest pain
Chest pain should never simply be assumed to be caused by high blood pressure. New or severe chest pain requires urgent medical assessment.
6. Confusion
Sudden confusion can be a sign of a serious medical problem and requires urgent attention.
7. Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds can have numerous causes. They are not a reliable way of diagnosing high blood pressure.
8. Nausea
Nausea can occur with many illnesses and conditions. Severe symptoms alongside extremely high blood pressure require medical attention.
9. Vomiting
Vomiting is not usually a routine symptom of ordinary high blood pressure, but it can occur when someone is seriously unwell.
10. Extreme tiredness
Fatigue is common and has many possible explanations. Persistent unexplained tiredness should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
11. Palpitations
Some people notice their heartbeat more strongly when they are anxious or experiencing cardiovascular problems.
12. Weakness
Sudden weakness, particularly on one side of the body, can be a medical emergency and may indicate a stroke.
13. Difficulty speaking
Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech requires emergency medical attention.
14. Severe anxiety or feeling extremely unwell
A sudden feeling that something is seriously wrong should not be ignored, particularly if accompanied by chest pain, breathlessness or neurological symptoms.
15. Seizures
Seizures associated with severely elevated blood pressure are a medical emergency.
Remember: these symptoms do not mean that someone definitely has high blood pressure. Many have other causes.
Why Is High Blood Pressure Dangerous?
Persistently elevated blood pressure can gradually damage the walls of blood vessels.
This can contribute to cardiovascular disease and increase the risk of complications such as:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Vision problems
- Peripheral artery disease
The risk generally increases when high blood pressure remains untreated for a long period.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
There is rarely one single cause. A combination of genetics, age, lifestyle and other health factors can contribute.
Common factors include:
- Being overweight
- Eating too much salt
- Not getting enough physical activity
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Smoking
- Long-term stress
- Family history
- Getting older
- Some medicines
- Some kidney and hormonal conditions
How to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally
Lifestyle changes can make an important difference for many people with raised blood pressure.
1. Reduce your salt intake
Eating too much salt can contribute to higher blood pressure. Processed foods, ready meals, sauces and processed meats can contain significant amounts of salt.
2. Eat more fruit and vegetables
A balanced diet containing plenty of fruit and vegetables provides potassium, fibre and other nutrients that support cardiovascular health.
3. Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity can help improve cardiovascular fitness and may help lower blood pressure.
Walking, cycling, swimming and other moderate activities can all be useful ways of becoming more active.
4. Maintain a healthy weight
If you are overweight, losing weight can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.
5. Moderate alcohol consumption
Regularly drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure. Reducing alcohol intake can therefore be beneficial.
6. Stop smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and increases cardiovascular risk. Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health.
7. Get enough sleep
Poor sleep and some sleep disorders can be associated with higher blood pressure. Establishing a regular sleep routine may help support better cardiovascular health.
8. Manage stress
Stress can temporarily raise blood pressure. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, breathing exercises or spending time outdoors, may be helpful.
Why Is My Blood Pressure High in the Morning?
Blood pressure naturally changes during the day. Some people experience a rise in blood pressure after waking.
Morning blood pressure can also be influenced by sleep quality, stress, caffeine, medications, alcohol and other factors.
If you regularly record unusually high readings in the morning, keep a record and discuss the results with your GP or healthcare professional.
Why Is My Blood Pressure High at Night?
Blood pressure normally follows a daily pattern and often falls during sleep.
However, some people do not experience the expected nighttime reduction. Sleep problems, stress, certain medications and other health conditions may contribute.
Repeatedly high nighttime readings should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
How to Check Your Blood Pressure at Home
Home blood pressure monitoring can be useful because it allows you to collect readings over several days rather than relying on one measurement.
Before taking a reading, sit quietly for several minutes. Keep your feet flat on the floor and support your arm comfortably.
Try to take measurements at approximately the same times each day if your healthcare professional has advised you to monitor your blood pressure.
Keep a written or digital record of your readings so that you can discuss them with your GP or healthcare team.
When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Help?
Extremely high blood pressure accompanied by serious symptoms can be a medical emergency.
Seek emergency medical help if you experience symptoms such as:
- Sudden chest pain
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Sudden weakness or numbness
- Sudden difficulty speaking
- Sudden loss or major change in vision
- Seizures
- Severe confusion
In the UK, call 999 in an emergency.
Can You Have High Blood Pressure Without Symptoms?
Yes. In fact, this is one of the most important things to understand about hypertension.
You can have high blood pressure and feel completely normal.
Feeling well does not necessarily mean that your blood pressure is healthy. Regular checks are therefore important, particularly as you get older or if you have risk factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a normal blood pressure?
There is not one single number that is ideal for everyone. Blood pressure needs to be interpreted according to the circumstances, the measurement method and your overall health.
Is 140/90 high blood pressure?
A reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher can be considered high in a clinical setting. However, diagnosis normally requires repeated measurements rather than one isolated reading.
Can drinking water lower blood pressure?
Staying adequately hydrated is important for general health. However, drinking extra water should not be considered a treatment for hypertension.
Can walking lower blood pressure?
Regular physical activity such as brisk walking can help improve cardiovascular fitness and may contribute to lower blood pressure over time.
Does stress cause high blood pressure?
Stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Long-term stress may also contribute indirectly through sleep, diet, alcohol consumption and other lifestyle factors.
Can high blood pressure be cured?
Some people can substantially improve their blood pressure through lifestyle changes and treatment. Others may need long-term medication and monitoring. The appropriate approach depends on the individual.
Yes it can
High blood pressure can be difficult to detect because it often causes no obvious symptoms. The best way to know your blood pressure is to have it measured.
If your readings are consistently elevated, do not ignore them simply because you feel healthy.
Small lifestyle changes such as eating less salt, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, moderating alcohol and getting enough sleep can all contribute to better cardiovascular health.
If you are concerned about your blood pressure or have repeatedly high readings, speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.
Check Your Blood Pressure
Want to understand your blood pressure reading? Use reliable home monitoring and keep a record of your results.
Disclaimer: This article provides general health information and should not be used to diagnose or treat a medical condition. Always seek appropriate professional medical advice for personal health concerns.
