Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when blood force against artery walls is consistently too high. This condition develops over time and can lead to serious health problems without obvious signs. While often asymptomatic, headaches can emerge when blood pressure levels become severely elevated, signaling a hypertensive crisis. These headaches result from pressure on blood vessels.
Typical Location and Characteristics of Hypertension Headaches
Hypertension headaches manifest as pulsating or throbbing pain, felt on both sides of the head. This pain begins gradually as blood pressure elevates when systolic pressure exceeds 180 mmHg or diastolic pressure exceeds 120 mmHg. The discomfort can affect the entire head, concentrating in the occipital region (the back of the head).
The intensity of these headaches ranges from moderate to severe and may worsen with physical activity or exertion. The pain is often more pronounced in the morning. These headaches involve the disruption of cerebral autoregulation due to high pressure, potentially leading to brain swelling.
Distinguishing Hypertension Headaches from Other Headache Types
Hypertension headaches differ from common types like tension headaches or migraines, though some symptoms may overlap. Tension headaches feel like a constant, dull ache or a tight band around the head, without other symptoms. Migraines, in contrast, are characterized by intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head, accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea or vomiting.
Hypertension headaches are accompanied by other symptoms that help differentiate them. These include changes in vision (like blurring), nosebleeds, shortness of breath, chest pain, numbness or tingling, and facial flushing. While headaches can be a symptom of dangerously high blood pressure, they are not always present even in severe cases, and many common headaches are not related to hypertension.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Any new, severe, or unusual headache requires immediate medical attention, especially if you have known high blood pressure. If a headache is accompanied by symptoms like sudden changes in vision, confusion, numbness, difficulty speaking, or severe chest pain, it could indicate a hypertensive crisis, a medical emergency. This is especially true if blood pressure readings exceed 180/120 mmHg.
Headaches are rarely the only symptom of dangerously high blood pressure; they occur with other signs of organ damage. Consulting a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and management of both headaches and blood pressure is important. This information is for general understanding and should not replace professional medical advice.