Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Signs and Symptoms

Occasionally high blood pressure causes headaches, but in most cases there are no symptoms until it begins to damage body organs. For this reason hypertension is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer,” quietly increasing the risk of developing stroke, heart disease, heart attack, kidney damage, and blindness. Very high blood pressure may cause breathlessness, problems with sight and nose bleeds as well as headaches.

Because hypertension is both a quiet and a common condition, blood pressure is often measured each time a patient sees their doctor. Nearly a third of UK residents with high blood pressure are not being treated.