It is also called silent killer because if it is not very serious it does not give symptoms, if not light and not easily interpretable.
Arterial hypertension, in most cases, does not give symptoms. It can also remain silent for many years.
It must be said, however, that in the end it makes itself felt, causing serious damage to various organs, such as the heart, kidneys, brain.
This is why periodic blood pressure checks are important. Especially for those who have a close relative suffering from hypertension, since the disease has a strong genetic component.
But be careful: the single measurement, which can be carried out in the pharmacy or at home, is not always indicative.
To have a diagnosis of certain hypertension you must contact your family doctor.
The following table shows normal and pathological blood pressure values, expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg):
| Diastolic (minimum) | Systolic (maximum) | |
|---|---|---|
| Optimal | < 80 | < 120 |
| Normal | < 85 | < 130 |
| Normal-high | 85-89 | 130-139 |
| Grade 1-borderline hypertension | 90-94 | 140-149 |
| Grade 1-mild hypertension | 95-99 | 150-159 |
| Grade 2-moderate hypertension | 100-109 | 160-179 |
| Grade 3-severe hypertension | ≥ 110 | ≥ 180 |
| Borderline isolated systolic hypertension | < 90 | 140-149 |
| Isolated systolic hypertension | < 90 | ≥ 150 |
Symptoms of high blood pressure
When blood pressure rises quickly or settles to very high values, the following may appear:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- headache
- nosebleeds
- dizziness
- excessive sweating
- visual disturbances (flying flies)
Tinnitus, also called tinnitus, are the abnormal perception of noises such as whistling, buzzing, rustling, crackling, puffing, pulsating. They can be annoying to the point of affecting the quality of life.
Headache is one of the most typical symptoms of hypertension. It is no coincidence that we talk about hypertension headache.
It arises mainly at night and is relieved when lying down. The headache, in most cases, when the pressure is lowered, disappears.
The association between hypertension and nosebleeds (nosebleeds) is still controversial. It is not certain that the former is the cause of the latter.
According to some doctors, in fact, it would be the nosebleeds, due to causes independent of hypertension, to cause a momentary increase in pressure due to the state of anxiety that is often generated in these situations.
The momentary loss of the sense of balance, the classic vertigo, is often associated with increased blood pressure. Typically, it occurs when the pressure rises quite a lot and quickly.
The classic cold sweats, accompanied by other symptoms, could make you suspect an increase in blood pressure.
Hypertension can also cause visual disturbances, such as so-called flying flies, blurred vision, blurred vision or the appearance of dark or sparkling patches within the field of vision.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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