Headaches can occur for a variety of reasons, including stress, migraines, or eye and oral problems. However, few people know that high blood pressure can also cause headaches. To distinguish and reduce symptoms of headaches related to high blood pressure, we need to clearly understand the causes and appropriate treatments.
Causes of headaches caused by high blood pressure
According to Dr. Sanjay Bhat, Senior Consultant - Department of Interventional Cardiology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru (India), high blood pressure, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when the pressure in your blood vessels exceeds normal levels, specifically when the blood pressure reaches 140/90 mmHg or higher. When high blood pressure is not controlled, intracranial pressure will increase, causing blood vessels in the brain to constrict, leading to reduced blood flow and activating pain receptors in the brain. This causes a headache.
How to recognize headaches caused by high blood pressure
Dr. Sanjay Bhat said that headaches caused by high blood pressure can be similar to other types of headaches, but there are separate characteristics that help distinguish:
Location and nature of pain: Headaches caused by high blood pressure often appear in the back of the head or neck and can be a sharp pain or severe pain. The pain tends to get worse when you are struggling or when you are stressed.
Time and intensity: Unlike common headaches such as tension headaches or migraines, headaches caused by high blood pressure can last a long time and the pain level can range from moderate to severe.
Additional symptoms: In addition to headaches, patients may feel sensitive to light or sound, nausea, and feel tired. In particular, high blood pressure may have no obvious symptoms in the early stages, causing patients to not realize they are sick.
How to reduce headaches caused by high blood pressure
To reduce headaches related to high blood pressure, lifestyle changes are necessary:
Diet: A diet low in salt and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help lower blood pressure and thereby reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
Exercise: Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercises, can help control blood pressure and improve overall health.
Control stress: Methods such as mindfulness, yoga, and adequate sleep help regulate blood pressure and reduce headaches.
medication: In some cases, doctors may prescribe blood pressure medication to control blood pressure levels and reduce headache symptoms.
