Hypertension headache causes: what to know

Mild or moderately high readings often cause no noticeable symptoms. A sudden, severe rise can strain blood vessels and may be accompanied by a strong headache, blurred vision, confusion, chest discomfort, breathlessness or weakness. A headache alone cannot show whether blood pressure is high; a properly taken reading and a clinical review are needed.

Headache has many other triggers, including migraine, dehydration, infection, poor sleep and medication effects. Long-standing hypertension can also affect the heart, kidneys and brain without producing a headache. Related conditions include Hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

If you have a headache, rest quietly, drink water if you can, and measure blood pressure with a validated upper-arm monitor after sitting calmly. Repeat an unexpectedly high reading according to the advice given with your monitor, and record the time, reading, symptoms and medicines taken.

Arrange medical advice if readings remain high, headaches recur, or you have stopped or missed prescribed treatment. Do not double a dose or use someone else’s medicine. A clinician may review medicines, sleep, kidney health and other causes rather than assuming the headache explains the reading.

Seek emergency help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, fainting, confusion, vision loss, chest pain or severe breathlessness. These warning signs can occur with emergencies such as Stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack and should not be explained away as an ordinary headache.

Ask whether your readings were taken correctly, whether another condition or medicine could explain the headache, and what reading or symptom should prompt urgent help. Ask how to take your prescribed treatment safely and whether you need checks for kidney, heart or sleep-related problems.