When to worry about headache with hypertension

Many people with hypertension have no symptoms, while headache can have several causes. A reading taken during pain or anxiety may be temporarily higher. Sit quietly, use a validated monitor correctly and repeat the reading after a short rest. Do not use the headache alone to judge blood pressure or change treatment.

Record the time, pain pattern, blood-pressure readings and prescribed medicines. Take regular treatment exactly as directed and do not double a missed dose without advice. Rest in a quiet room, drink normally and avoid strenuous activity until you understand the pattern. Arrange a clinician review if headaches are new, frequent, or occurring despite treatment.

Call emergency services for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, facial drooping, severe confusion, fainting, seizure, chest pain, severe breathlessness or sudden vision loss. Seek prompt medical advice for repeated headaches with high readings, a steadily worsening pattern, vomiting, or headache during pregnancy or soon after childbirth.

Ask how to measure blood pressure at home, what readings require same-day help, whether your medicines or painkillers could affect it, and whether you need tests for another headache cause. Bring your monitor or a written record if possible.