Most people with hypertension, experience hypertension headaches when the blood pressure is raised. This has led many doctors to relate hypertension to headaches that typically cause pain on both sides of the head and back of the head.
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Risk factors
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Lifestyle changes and home remedies
- When to consult a doctor?
Symptoms of hypertension headache
- Pulsating and throbbing pain in temples
- Feeling of pressure at the back of Head and shoulders
- Nosebleeds
- Facial flushing
- Subconjunctival hemorrhages
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vertigo
The pain is usually pulsating in character and severe in intensity. Most people complain of pain aggravating with exertion or movement.
Causes of hypertension headache
When the blood pressure of a hypertensive patient exceeds 200/100 or higher, this may cause hypertension headache and it requires immediate medical attention.
Hypertension can cause increased pressure on the brain and causes the leakiness of blood vessels in the brain. This disrupts the blood-brain barrier and causes a headache.
Risk factors
- Old age
- Obesity and overweight
- Low physical activity
- Smoking
- Unhealthy lipid-rich diet
- Other health conditions like high cholesterol and diabetes
Prevention
To prevent hypertension headache proper diagnosis is required.
People who are hypertensive:
They need to receive proper treatment for hypertension and regulate it. Along with treatment, they require some major lifestyle modifications, that involve:
- Changing dietary habits
- Increasing physical activity
- Strictly observe hypertension medication
- Losing weight if they are obese or overweight
- Decrease sodium intake and increase potassium intake
- Quit smoking
People who are not hypertensive:
Such people can have a hypertension headache episode due to some drug abuse or even increased sodium intake. They are inquired about the drugs they have been consuming like cocaine, amphetamine, oral contraceptives, clonidine, and alcohol. Along with this, they should:
- Quit smoking
- Increase physical activity
- Increase potassium intake
Treatment of hypertension headache
The treatment for hypertension headache is only etiological which means you have to treat the underlying cause. In this case, hypertension needs to be managed. Some of the drugs that are used for the management of hypertension are as follows.
- Beta blockers: Propanolol, Salbutamol
- Calcium channel blockers: Nifedipine, Amlodipine
- Potassium channel blockers: Amiodarone
- Antidiuretics: ADH, Chlorpromazine
- Vasodilators: Captopril
- Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation
Lifestyle changes and home remedies
- Add whole grains to your diet
- Essential oils like lavender, rosemary can also help relax the nerves
- Avoid excessive caffeine intake
- Try and stay calm
- Several relaxation therapies like acupuncture, cupping therapy can also remove toxins from the body
- Hydrate your self
- Daily exercise or workout is also good for health
- Use omega 3 fatty acids in your diet
When to consult a doctor?
If you have been having frequent headaches and your blood pressure is higher than 180/120. You can be a case of malignant hypertension and you need to see your physician immediately. if you have already been treated for hypertension you might need to change your medications as they are not working for you anymore.
Along with this undiagnosed hypertension can lead to adverse facts on several other organs such as causing kidney damage, heart disease, brain damage, and ocular problems.
FAQ
What is the location of pain in hypertension headache?
The headache is felt in the back of head and on both sides of the head.
What does a hypertension headache feel like?
A hypertension headache is usually pulsating in character and severe in intensity. Most people complain of pain aggravating with exertion or movement.
What are the complications of a hypertension headache?
Hypertension Headache can end up in subconjunctival hemorrhages, nose bleeds, and major renal failure as it is caused due to high blood pressure.
I am not hypertensive but I’ve been having hypertension headaches. What should I do?
You need to book an appointment with your physician to confirm if you haven’t recently developed hypertension. Along with that, you should:
- Quit smoking
- Increase physical activity
- Increase potassium intake
- Decrease in sodium intake
What is the cause of hypertension associated headaches?
Hypertension can cause increased pressure on the brain and causes the leakiness of blood vessels in the brain. This disrupts the blood-brain barrier and causes a headache.
