Headache
Have you ever had a headache, then looked up why you may have it online and saw what appeared to be a million different answers? That's because headaches are a common symptom of a lot of things, but hypertension is one of them.
According to Dr. Levine, headaches related to high blood pressure are most intense "across the head or in the back," gesturing around the base of his head. If you often feel the most pain there, you may want to take action.
Blurred Vision
Dr. Levine says blurred vision is "a very common symptom" of high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, this happens due to damage to the blood vessels in the eyes.
Blurred vision is a very scary symptom of hypertension, so it's always a good idea to speak with a doctor if you ever experience it, especially since it can inhibit you from everyday activities like safe driving.
Shortness Of Breath
Experiencing shortness of breath could simply mean you're tired, or it can mean your blood pressure levels need to come down. Dr. Levine says to be wary of when you start feeling shortness of breath during an activity as simple as walking.
"If it gets really severe, you can get shortness of breath even at rest," he adds.
It's very scary when you feel like you can't get enough air or are having a hard time breathing when you're doing something like walking around your home or sitting in front of the television. If that ever starts happening, you should seek medical help.
Chest Pain
Whenever you have chest pains while walking or exercising, Dr. Levine says it could mean "the heart is working too hard" and that your blood pressure could be too high. Chest pains are extremely serious as they're often related to heart problems, so if you have persistent chest pain, you should consider heading to an emergency room as soon as possible.
Chest pain can feel like a tightness in the chest or even a dull ache in your chest that won't go away. Be alert when you experience it as a symptom, and perhaps take a moment to check your blood pressure levels.
Nosebleeds
Dr. Levine points out that health experts are 50-50 on this symptom, also known as epistaxis.
While some may not "believe" nosebleeds are a more common or telling symptom of high blood pressure, it's never a bad idea to draw attention to them if you get them frequently. It wouldn't hurt to speak to your doctor!
Frothy Urine
Yes, this symptom is an icky one, but it's important to know, as it involves a process that happens to your body when your blood pressure is too high.
"It's frothy because you're spilling protein when you go to the bathroom," explains Dr. Levine.
While it sounds silly, after you urinate, you may want to take a quick peek at what's going on in the toilet bowl, just to be safe.
There Are Often No Symptoms
"The number one symptom of hypertension [and] the most common symptom by far [that] everyone should know about, is nothing," says Dr. Levine.
"That's right, that's why we call it the silent killer. So, you need to get your blood pressure checked at least annually."
Dr. Levine stresses the importance of getting your blood pressure routinely checked by a doctor and says if you can't afford a physician, you should check it at home. You can purchase blood pressure cuffs at certain stores and pharmacies or online.
"Watch a YouTube [tutorial] before, and share the cuff with your friends and family," he helpfully adds.