The 3 symptoms of High Blood Pressure that should not be ignored

Hypertension, known as high blood pressure in layman language, is the condition where the force of your blood against your artery walls is consistently high. Globally, this has been set to 120/80 (systolic pressure/diastolic pressure), though this can vary greatly with age, gender, weight etc.Hypertension is also considered a "silent killer" since it does not cause obvious symptoms, but is linked to fatal conditions like heart attack, stroke etc. While monitoring your bp is extremely important especially if it runs in your family, it is also important to look out for these 3 signs that could spell trouble (even if they are subtle)Severe HeadachesOne of the most common symptoms of dangerously high blood pressure is a severe headache. This headache is usually sudden and intense, unlike normal headaches. It can feel like a pounding or throbbing pain, often in the back of the head.Why does this happen? High blood pressure puts extra strain on the blood vessels in your brain. This pressure can cause pain and even damage if left untreated. If you experience a sudden, severe headache, especially if you know you have high blood pressure, do not ignore it. It could be a sign of a hypertensive crisis, which needs immediate medical care.Blurred Vision or Other Vision ChangesHigh blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. When these vessels become thickened, narrow, or even torn, it can affect your eyesight. You might notice blurred vision, seeing spots, or other vision problems.This symptom is important because it shows that high blood pressure is affecting your body beyond just your heart. If you experience vision changes along with other symptoms like headaches or dizziness, it’s a warning sign that your blood pressure is dangerously high and needs urgent attention.Chest Pain and Difficulty BreathingChest pain and trouble breathing are serious symptoms linked to high blood pressure. When blood pressure is high, it forces your heart to work harder to pump blood. This extra work can cause chest pain or a feeling of tightness.You can also face difficulty in breathing if high blood pressure leads to heart problems or fluid buildup in the lungs. These symptoms should never be ignored because they can signal heart disease or even a heart attack caused by uncontrolled hypertension.Don't ignoreHigh blood pressure damages your arteries and organs silently over time. When symptoms like headaches, vision changes, or chest pain appear, it often means your blood pressure is dangerously high and causing harm.Ignoring these symptoms can lead to life-threatening problems such as:StrokeHeart attackKidney failureHeart failureHow to Protect YourselfGet your blood pressure checked regularly. Even if you feel fine, regular checks help catch high blood pressure early. Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once every two years, or more often if at risk.Manage your lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet low in salt, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and maintain a healthy weight.Take medicines as prescribed. If your doctor gives you blood pressure medicine, take it exactly as directed, and do not skip it.Watch for symptoms. If you notice severe headaches, vision problems, or chest pain, seek medical care immediately.