Top 12 symptoms of 'silent killer' that require 'immediate' medical help

17 July 2023 , 16:29

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Anyone with a blood pressure over 180/120mmHg could have nosebleeds, a buzzing in their ears, persistent vomiting, or blurred vision (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

High blood pressure is a common condition that affects more than a quarter of all adults in the UK.

The condition, which is also known as hypertension, rarely develops into any noticeable symptoms - which is why it's been dubbed 'the silent killer'.

But if you have extremely high blood pressure, you could be at risk of serious complications, and your body would likely warn you with some key symptoms.

Checking your blood pressure is the best way to know whether you're at risk, but some people might develop severe headaches or dizziness, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Anyone with a blood pressure over 180/120mmHg could have nosebleeds, a buzzing their ears, persistent vomiting, or blurred vision, it said.

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If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, while also having high blood pressure, you should speak to a doctor straight away, it said.

You can check your blood pressure at your local GP surgery, or inside some pharmacies (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

"Most people with hypertension don’t feel any symptoms," warned the WHO. "Very high blood pressures can cause headaches, blurred vision, chest pain and other symptoms.

"If hypertension isn’t treated, it can cause other health conditions like kidney disease, heart disease and stroke."

Common symptoms linked to severely high blood pressure include:

• Severe headaches
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision or other vision changes
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Buzzing in the ears
• Nosebleeds
• Abnormal heart rhythm

The WHO added: "If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and a high blood pressure, seek care immediately."

High blood pressure may be caused by being overweight, not doing enough exercise, not getting enough sleep, or eating too much salt.

All adult over 40 years old should check their blood pressure at least every five years.

You can check your blood pressure at your local GP surgery, or inside some pharmacies.

Matt Atherton