7 warning signs of High Blood Pressure that should not be ignored

Hypertension, known as High Blood Pressure in layman language, occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. On a global level, this has been set to any reading beyond 120/80 (the systolic pressure (top number, when the heart beats) and the diastolic pressure (bottom number, when the heart is at rest), though it can vary greatly due to age, gender, weight etc. Known as the "silent killer", hypertension is mostly genetic, though it can also occur in individuals with no family history. The condition can lead to heart disease and stroke, and can be fatal if not controlled. It can sometimes have no known symptoms, but here are 7 warning signs that your BP is high, and you need help...

Frequent or severe headaches, especially in the morning, can be a sign of high blood pressure. This happens because high pressure causes blood vessels in the brain to expand, leading to pain and discomfort. If you experience headaches that don’t go away or happen often without a clear reason, get your blood pressure checked.

Chest pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest can signal that your heart is under stress due to high blood pressure. This symptom should be taken seriously and requires immediate medical attention because it can lead to heart attacks or other heart problems.

Difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath, especially during simple activities, may mean your heart or lungs are affected by high blood pressure. This symptom shows that your body is struggling to get enough oxygen and needs urgent evaluation.

High blood pressure can cause dizziness or make your vision blurry. These symptoms happen because the blood flow to your brain or eyes is affected. If you feel dizzy often or notice changes in your eyesight, it’s important to see a doctor.

While occasional nosebleeds are common and usually harmless, frequent or unexplained nosebleeds can be a warning sign of very high blood pressure. If you notice nosebleeds happening more often without injury, consult a healthcare professional.

Feeling unusually tired or confused can result from poor blood flow to the brain caused by high blood pressure. These symptoms indicate that your brain is not getting enough oxygen and nutrients, which can be dangerous if not treated quickly.

A sensation of pounding, throbbing, or pressure in your chest, neck, or ears is often linked to high blood pressure. This feeling may come with an irregular heartbeat or anxiety and should not be ignored.