Can hypertension cause transient ischaemic attack?

High pressure can alter artery walls and encourage narrowing or clot formation. If blood flow to part of the brain is briefly interrupted and then returns, symptoms may disappear; this is called a transient ischaemic attack. The episode is still a warning that a stroke may follow, and the cause needs investigation. Hypertension can be present without headaches or other daily symptoms.

Treat sudden weakness, numbness, speech difficulty or vision change as an emergency, even if it has stopped. After assessment, take prescribed blood-pressure treatment consistently and attend tests or follow-up. Bring a list of medicines, note the start and end of symptoms, and share whether one side of the body or one eye was affected.

Call emergency services for any new facial droop, one-sided weakness, speech or understanding problem, sudden vision loss, severe dizziness or loss of balance. Do not drive yourself and do not wait to see whether the episode passes. A short-lived symptom can still need urgent stroke assessment.

Ask what may have caused the episode, which tests are needed, how to monitor blood pressure, and which symptoms should trigger another emergency call.