3 symptoms of high blood pressure

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Extract from the article: In Togo, 30% of the population suffers from hypertension. The risk of having abnormally high blood pressure increases with age. High blood pressure is a major cardiovascular threat, with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and kidney f

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In Togo, 30% of the population suffers from hypertension. The risk of having abnormally high blood pressure increases with age. High blood pressure is a major cardiovascular threat, with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and kidney failure. From the age of 40 onwards, it is advisable to monitor blood pressure.

In the vast majority of cases, there are no symptoms, which is why hypertension is known as the “silent killer”. It is therefore important to measure your blood pressure as you age, in order to detect hypertension. Measurements can be taken at the GP's or at home.

Self-measurement at home with a blood pressure monitor is even better than at the doctor's, as blood pressure is variable. It's best to take an average over time. This can be achieved by taking three readings in the morning and three in the evening over a period of 3 days. The average figure determines whether or not blood pressure is high. If the average is higher than 13.5 cmHg systolic pressure or 8.5 cmHg diastolic pressure, you already have high blood pressure that needs to be treated. Arterial hypertension is considered truly severe if it exceeds 18 cmHg for systolic pressure and 11 cmHg for diastolic pressure. It is in these more severe cases that it can cause symptoms.

Visual blur

One of the telltale symptoms of high blood pressure is visual blur. High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, reducing clarity of vision. This symptom is often ignored or attributed to other causes, but it can be an important sign of severe hypertension.

Ringing in the ears

Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, is another possible symptom of high blood pressure. This phenomenon occurs due to increased pressure in the blood vessels of the ear. This can cause ringing or whistling noises. This symptom can be particularly annoying and affect quality of life.

Headaches

Headaches, especially those that are persistent and intense, can also indicate high blood pressure.High pressure in the blood vessels can cause pain in the head, often felt as a sensation of heaviness or pulsation.In very rare cases, a person may also experience shortness of breath at rest and/or very intense headaches.

If high blood pressure is detected, the first step is to consult a doctor at a health center. He or she will confirm or refute the diagnosis of hypertension and carry out an assessment to identify the causes.  It is advisable to increase physical activity, lose weight if necessary and reduce salt, sugar and fat consumption.

Raymond DZAKPATA

Source: Pr Gérard Helft, Professor of Cardiology and President of the French Federation of Cardiology