Does blood pressure cause headaches?

Are you prone to headaches? Do you often wonder if your blood pressure is to blame? Well, grab yourself a comfy chair and let’s explore the relationship between blood pressure and headaches together.

Defining Blood Pressure

Before diving into whether or not high blood pressure can cause headaches, it’s essential first to understand what blood pressure actually means. In simple terms, it refers to the force of your heart pumping blood through your arteries. It consists of two measurements: systolic (pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic (pressure when the heart rests).

Types of Headaches

There are several types of headaches that we humans may experience in our lifetime. Here are some common ones:

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches feel like a band tightening around your head.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are incredibly painful and happen in groups or ‘clusters.’

Migraines

Migraines pulsate with pain varying from moderate to severe; they’re usually unilateral but can occur bilaterally.

As you see later on, some headache types have closer links with high-blood-pressure than others.

So…Can High Blood Pressure Really Cause A Headache?

Short answer – yes! High blood pressure can lead to certain headache types. However, it depends on many factors – starting with which type of hypertension exists: untreated/controlled/episodic/severe etcetera/. Relaxt already; we shall explain everything clearly below!

It is worthy to note though that not everyone who has high blood pressure will develop a headache as well while having an episode, so don’t assume just yet! Keep reading till’ very end^(1).

Additionally, even those individuals who do get a migraine triggered by their increased BP should know this isn’t going always going be their typical “migraine.” For instance, an individual with a pre-existing migraine condition may notice the pain is slightly different, or they might even experience double trouble: i.e., two types of pain at once^(2).

Hypertension Headaches

One type of headache that can be caused by high blood pressure is known as hypertension headaches.

What Are Hypertension Headaches?

Hypertension headaches refer to a specific type of head pain that some people have experienced following elevated blood pressure crises^(3). And it isn’t just about having hypertension; uncontrolled and severe forms are worse when talking about such chances.

The intensity and pulsing behind these headaches can be heavily dependent on how severe the BP crisis was – If the BP increase is sudden/onset, ^(4) then you should expect worse symptoms than someone who has had their high BP controlled for an extended period.

People primarily complain about feeling like there’s HUGE weight pushing down from neck up, especially in back part (occipital region)- where most nerves which go around into scalp^^5. The sensation can range from throbbing or pounding temples to squeezing pains all over sides/behind head.

What Are Common Symptoms In Hypertensive Crises?

In addition to those heavy headaches (if any), individuals experiencing hypertensive crises may also develop accompanying symptoms^6:

  • Blurry Vision
  • Shortness Of Breath
  • Nosebleeds
  • Nausea/Vomiting
    …and anyone experiences above but consult your doctor before extenuating your own medication plan!

It goes without saying that seeking professional medical attention during these episodes/minor changes is important^. Your body doesn’t “randomly” want a headache one day simply because it’s bored!

Cluster Headaches

When it comes to cluster headaches – this relationship between them and hypertension remains unclear since studies show mixed results.

A lot of cluster headache episodes end up happening during changes in calming/hormonal balance; thus, apart from the little studies done so far, doctors remain uncertain^7. In other words – researchers can’t point fingers^(8) only yet.

Migraines

Among all kinds of headaches one might experience – migraines are closest related to hypertension headaches. During a common high blood pressure crisis (a severe episode), that is enough stimulus for some migraine sufferers’ brain activities hazy-ups like unwanted actors on stage out of nowhere^(9).

Please pay attention:
This doesn’t mean persons should diagnose themselves with hypertension just because they get migraines! Don’t turn Dr. Google insane!

If you’re not sure whether your pain stems from acute hypertensive crises or if it’s more something along the lines of chronic stress (which CAN ALSO elevate BP levels)^10; book an appointment with specialist(s).

The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) may be useful for reducing risk factors leading towards such comorbidities and also reversing issues before they could graduate into complex health risks potentially even pushing BP higher^[11].

Wrapping Up

Now, humans we know that blood pressure has a significant impact on our overall health(such as heart diseases too!), and one cannot deny its possible role in causing various types of head pain(. ). While certain forms/types like tension ones don’t have much evidence backing them being linked to this vascular disease, others like hypertensive and migrainous DO deserve more vigilance amounting mitigating steps concerning calmness/meditation plans etcetera/.

We hope you’ve found this article informative – maybe even entertaining? As always – remember to put self-care first above all else!

Footnotes:

1- The things we do for clarity’s sake!
2- Not fun by any stretch.
3- JAMA – AHA or MayoClinic can back up what we explain.
4- This sounds like a thriller movie in its own right.
5- And where would be the easiest place to hit? Boom, you got it!
6- Depending on how far the BP has escalated during such crises
7- It’s not something that occurs enough times for researchers to have ample data yet.
8- Doctors, Medical Professionals and scientists do not want baseless theories circulating around any longer! Time is too precious fighting with little factoid “demons.” Researchers work hard so we don’t fall down rabbit holes induced by anxiety!
9-Shivering imagery but necessary
10-Loved ones who seem to live life at 100mph might surprise themselves feeling better after taking just a couple of hours break every other day!
11-DASH diet includes food choices that are low-calorie, low-fat and high fiber aiming towards reducing sodium intake as well – mostly found in fresh fruits/veggies/nuts/etc^.

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