Arabic 
English 
High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the “silent killer” for a reason. Most people don’t feel it coming. It doesn’t always come with symptoms, but over time, it can quietly damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and brain. Nearly half of the adults who have hypertension don’t realize it.
But for some patients, the body gives early warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. Catching these signals early can make a big difference, especially for people living with diabetes, kidney disease, or other chronic health problems.
If you’re newly diagnosed or caring for someone at risk, here’s what to watch and what to do next.
- Why Is High Blood Pressure So Dangerous?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing through your arteries. When that pressure stays too high for too long, it damages your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Untreated hypertension may lead to serious health problems, including:
- Heart Damage: Hardened arteries, angina, heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat.
- Stroke: Caused by burst or blocked brain arteries.
- Kidney Damage: Leading to kidney failure.
- Eye damage.
- Other Health Problems: Serious damage to vital organs.
The danger is that most people don’t feel anything until serious damage is done.
- Can You Feel High Blood Pressure?
Usually, high blood pressure causes no signs or symptoms. According to the World Health Organization, 46% of patients with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition.
However, some patients may experience symptoms of hypertension. When your blood pressure is 180/120 mmHg or higher, you may experience symptoms like headaches, heart palpitations, or nosebleeds. These symptoms don’t always mean you have high blood pressure, but they should never be ignored. Reported symptoms include:
1. Frequent Headaches: A dull or pounding headache, especially in the morning, could be linked to elevated blood pressure. If it’s new or worsening, it’s worth checking.
2. Blurred Vision or Seeing Spots: High pressure in your blood vessels can affect your eyes. Vision changes or floaters may be a warning sign.
3. Dizziness or Lightheadedness: While dizziness can come from many causes, it sometimes happens when blood pressure is unusually high or fluctuating.
4. Nosebleeds: Occasional nosebleeds aren’t usually serious, but repeated or sudden ones can be linked to very high blood pressure.
5. Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during mild activity, could be a sign your heart is under pressure.
6. Chest Discomfort or Palpitations: If your heart feels like it’s racing, fluttering, or working harder than usual, it may be responding to elevated pressure.
7. Fatigue or Confusion: Reduced blood flow to the brain can lead to brain fog, tiredness, or even trouble concentrating.
- When to Take Action
- Recognize Warning Signs & Measure:
- If you experience symptoms like severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, vision problems, or shortness of breath (especially multiple symptoms together), don’t wait.
- Immediately measure your blood pressure with a reliable home monitor.
- If your reading is above 130/80 mmHg, especially if repeated, contact your doctor right away.
- Get Regular Screenings:
Blood pressure checks are a vital part of routine healthcare. If you have high blood pressure or other heart disease risks, your provider will recommend more frequent checks. The United States Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommended a frequency that depends on age and risk:
| Who Should Be Screened | How Often | How to Check |
| Adults 40+ years or with risk factors | Every year | Use a validated BP monitor; take multiple readings while seated and relaxed |
| Adults 18–39 years with normal BP | Every 3–5 years | Home or office BP monitoring |
| Anyone with BP 130–139 / 85–89 mmHg | More frequent monitoring | Confirm with readings outside clinic (e.g., home or ambulatory monitoring) |
- Accessing Screenings:
- Don’t have a regular provider? Look for free screenings at community health fairs or other local resources.
- Public Machines: Free BP machines in stores/pharmacies can be used, but accuracy varies (depends on correct cuff size and proper use).
- Ask Your Doctor: For advice on using public machines reliably.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. A digital platform like Blueberry offers home monitoring tools, virtual consults, and ongoing support to help patients catch and manage high blood pressure early.
- Who’s Most at Risk?
You’re more likely to develop high blood pressure (and feel its early effects) if you:
- Overweight or obese, Physical inactivity/lack of exercise
- Eat a high-salt diet, low fruit/vegetable intake
- Have a family history of hypertension
- Live with chronic stress
- Are over 40 years old
- Tobacco use (smoking, vaping, smokeless).
- Having diseases like diabetes or chronic kidney disease.
Even if you feel fine, if you’re in one or more of these groups, check your blood pressure regularly.
- Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Body
You may not “feel” your blood pressure rising, but sometimes your body gives clues. Don’t brush off headaches, dizziness, or unusual tiredness, especially if you or a loved one is managing diabetes, kidney disease, or heart risks.
The earlier you act, the better you can protect your health. Daily habits, smart monitoring, and tools like Blueberry’s hypertension care platform can help you catch the problem before it catches you.
