10 Signs of the “Silent Killer:” High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer because it sneaks up on most people. However, just because high blood pressure doesn’t make a big fuss it doesn’t mean it’s harmless. When left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues. It was even found recently that untreated high blood pressure can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Needless to say, it’s no joke. Especially not for Latinos, who are “at an increased risk of hypertension-related disparities,” according to this research. To help you stay on your toes, here are 10 signs you might be dealing with high blood pressure. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to schedule a little chat with your doctor:

---

You get frequent headaches

We all get headaches from time to time, but if you’re reaching for painkillers a little too often, high blood pressure might be the cause of that. The type of headache related to high blood pressure is usually described as a dull, throbbing sensation that just won’t quit. If that’s the way your frequent headaches feel, don’t brush it off or dismiss it as stress; it could be your blood pressure. Make an appointment with your doctor to clear things up!

You experience dizziness or lightheadedness

Feeling a bit woozy when you stand up too quickly? Sure, it could just be that you got up too fast, but if dizziness is a regular part of your daily life, your blood pressure might be to blame. It’s a sign your body’s having a hard time keeping everything in balance, so if dizziness or lightheadedness are something you’re constantly experiencing, it’s time to get your blood pressure checked.

You get blurred vision

If you suddenly find yourself squinting at things that used to be crystal clear, it’s not just a sign you might need glasses. Blurred vision can be a sneaky symptom of high blood pressure, and that’s because it can affect the blood vessels in your eyes. Time to check both your vision and your blood pressure!

You experience shortness of breath

Feeling winded after climbing a few stairs or having a little dance, even though you’re not exactly running a marathon? High blood pressure can cause your heart to work overtime, leading to shortness of breath even when you’re doing mild physical activity. If you’re gasping for air more often than you’d like, it’s worth getting checked out.

You’re very familiar with fatigue

Everyone’s tired nowadays, but if you’re feeling unusually exhausted despite getting your beauty sleep, your blood pressure could be a factor. Constantly elevated blood pressure can put a strain on your heart, leaving you feeling drained and sluggish. If this is how you feel more often than not, it could be more than just burnout, so it will do you well to see a doctor about it.

You have chest pain

This one’s a bit more serious and shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re experiencing chest pain, especially if it’s along with any of the other symptoms on this list, seeing a doctor should be at the top of your list of priorities. Chest pain be a sign that your high blood pressure is putting a lot of extra strain on your heart, so you need to get that checked out as soon as possible.

You get nosebleeds very frequently

A random nosebleed every once in a while might not be anything to worry about, but if you’re getting them frequently, it could be related to high blood pressure. This is not the most common symptom of high blood pressure, but it’s still a symptom everyone should be aware of just in case. If you’re getting nosebleeds quite often, talk to your doctor about it.

You feel pounding in your chest, neck, or ears

Feeling like your heart is beating out of your chest? Or maybe you feel a pulse in your neck or ears? These things could be signs that your blood pressure is through the roof and you shouldn’t let it go unchecked.

You have blood spots in your eyes

If you notice weird red spots in the whites of your eyes, you could be dealing with high blood pressure. These red spots are a sign that tiny blood vessels in your eyes have burst because your blood pressure was high. Make sure to get your eyes and your blood pressure checked if you have this symptom.

You often get confused or have trouble concentrating

If you’re finding it hard to focus or you’re feeling unusually confused, it might not just be your brain is tired. High blood pressure can affect your brain function, leading to trouble concentrating or even memory issues. If you’re experiencing a lot of that lately, don’t let it slide, and get yourself a doctor’s appointment.

High blood pressure may be sneaky, but you don’t have to let it catch you off guard. If any of these signs are ringing a bell, make some time to check in with your doctor. A simple blood pressure check can go a long way in staying healthy, so make sure to keep up with it. Your heart will thank you!