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Does Hypertension Cause Headaches?

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition not many people know they have. There are various opinions about whether or not hypertension can be a direct cause of headaches. Typically, hypertension doesn’t cause any symptoms. This can make it difficult for people to know when to see a healthcare provider for treatment. 

What is Hypertension?

It’s normal for blood pressure rates to fluctuate throughout the day. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the blood puts more pressure on your artery walls than normal.

Reading a blood pressure monitor can be confusing. The first number you see is your systolic blood pressure — a measurement based on the force of blood flow pumping from the heart. The second number is your diastolic pressure. This measurement is taken in between heartbeats as the heart fills with blood.

A normal blood pressure tends to be around 120/80 mm Hg. An elevated blood pressure level over 130/80 mm Hg is usually the first sign of hypertension. Systolic blood pressure levels over 180 require immediate medical attention.

What is a Hypertension Headache?

A hypertension headache is a theoretical term for the connection between high blood pressure and head pain. While there may be a link between chronic hypertension and headaches, there is not enough research showing that hypertension directly causes headaches.

Hypertension may increase the risk of headaches in some people, but it’s not a universal symptom of the condition. In some cases, sudden spikes in blood pressure can lead to a headache.

What are the Symptoms of a Hypertension Headache?

Typically, hypertension does not show any symptoms. Headaches may happen after a sudden spike in blood pressure. The pain may feel like a dull or throbbing sensation in the forehead and behind the eyes. Some people may experience chest pain and changes in vision from severely high blood pressure levels.

People who experience severe headaches may also experience the following symptoms:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Blurred vision

• Restlessness

• Irritability

While hypertension may not show any symptoms, it can increase your risk of certain health conditions. People with hypertension are more at risk for the following conditions:

• Heart attack: Also known as myocardial infarction, long-term damage to blood vessel walls from high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack.

• Stroke: High blood pressure disrupts blood flow throughout the brain because of damage to the artery walls. Weak or blocked arteries can increase your risk of blood clots. This results in an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.

• Heart disease: Hypertension is a top factor leading to heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Heart disease is a term for a wide range of conditions that cause complications in the heart and blood vessels.

• Heart failure: Heart failure happens when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the rest of the body. High blood pressure makes blood flow less efficient by narrowing the arteries.

• Kidney failure: Weakening of blood vessels from hypertension can lead to kidney failure over time.

Treatment Options for Hypertension Headaches

Mild to moderate headaches can be treated with OTC pain relievers. Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), and aspirin are available at most local pharmacies.

Hypertension is treated with anti-hypertensive medications. A healthcare provider may prescribe one of the following medications:

• Alpha blockers: These medications relax blood vessels to prevent hypertension.

• Vasolidators: Also known as blood vessel dilators, they relax blood vessel walls.

• ACE inhibitors: They prevent an overproduction of the chemical angiotensin. This chemical is a key part of the process of narrowing artery walls.

• Calcium channel blockers: Different types of calcium channel blockers can be used to prevent calcium from entering the heart muscles.

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers:  They block angiotensins from creating narrow artery walls that can lead to high blood pressure.

• Beta blockers: This type of medication relaxes blood vessels which can help lower blood pressure.

• Alpha 2 receptor agonists: These medications prevent an increase in heart rate and narrowing blood vessels.

• Diuretics: Also known as water pills, diuretics remove excess salt and water from the body.

How to Prevent a Hypertension Headache

You can prevent hypertension by following a well-balanced diet that is low in sodium. It’s also important to regularly engage in physical activity. Many American foods have significant amounts of added salt and sugar. Low-sodium food options are available in many local grocery stores. 

The following fruits and vegetables tend to already be low in sodium:

• Broccoli

• Beets

• Apples

• Spinach

• Mangoes

• Carrots

• Edamame

• Bananas

If you already have hypertension, it’s important to follow instructions for taking prescribed anti-hypertensive medications. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if any medications have been causing side effects.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Regularly monitoring your blood pressure can help you take control of your health. At-home blood pressure monitors are available to keep track of any changes until your next appointment.

Be sure to contact a healthcare provider if you are experiencing frequent headaches. Many health conditions besides hypertension can cause chronic headaches. 

High levels of stress can also potentially cause hypertension headaches. Try to incorporate time to decompress where you can. This may look like practicing deep breathing techniques or taking time out of the day to meditate.

Where Can I Learn More About Managing Headaches?

Headaches can be difficult to manage on your own. LifeMD can connect you with licensed healthcare providers who can offer tips on managing headaches and hypertension.

Schedule an appointment today to speak with a healthcare provider about treatment options and tips for managing pain.

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

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