High blood pressure (hypertension) today affects nearly one in three adults in France. This chronic disease causes high blood pressure in the arteries. And increases the risk of cardiovascular accidents and kidney failure when not taken care of.
Signals often considered “trivial”
Most often silent, hypertension progresses quietly, without causing marked symptoms. But small signals, which we tend to minimize, should worry you.
“Many people confuse the first signs with simple nervous tension or fatigue, when it is sometimes a case of established hypertension.explains Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician.
The problem: blood pressure remains high, even at rest.
What are the subtle symptoms of hypertension?
These micro-symptoms should therefore arouse your attention. Dr Kierzek details the most common:
- Headaches, especially in the morning, resistant to usual analgesics;
- Ringing or tinnitus, punctuated by the pulse, in the ears;
- Blurred vision, temporary visual disturbances or the appearance of “flying flies”;
- Dizziness or slight dizziness, especially when getting up;
- Unusual fatigue, a sudden drop in motivation for no apparent reason;
- Shortness of breath upon exertion or during common activities;
- An irregular heartbeat, palpitations or pounding felt in the chest.
When should you be concerned?
The doctor specifies: “It is not uncommon for these signs to appear isolated and temporary: stress, lack of sleep or overwork can explain them occasionally. On the other hand, their persistence, their repetitiveness or the coincidence of several of them, especially in the morning or at rest, should alert and encourage you to measure your blood pressure.
According to him, “if these micro-signals come back several times a week or over several weeks, you should talk to your doctor.”
Our expert also recommends consulting without delay in the event of persistent symptoms or new sensations never felt before, but also for any unexplained chest discomfort, shortness of breath or palpitation.
Finally, he reminds that the blood pressure should not exceed 140/90 mmHg. “And if these numbers are accompanied by headaches, shortness of breath or chest pain, it is a hypertensive emergency that requires immediate attention.
he concludes.