Headaches are prevalent, as many of us deal with them semi-regularly. There are different types of headaches, such as migraine and tension headaches. Many factors can contribute to headaches, including some lifestyle and environmental factors. Additionally, headaches can also develop because of some diseases.
If you have high blood pressure and keep developing headaches, you might wonder if high blood pressure is the reason. In this article, we will be telling you if the cause behind headaches is a rise in your blood pressure or not.
The Link Between High Blood Pressure and Headaches:
In most cases, people affected by high blood pressure usually do not get headaches. However, there is a possibility that an increase in blood pressure to dangerously high levels may lead to the development of headaches along with some other symptoms.
Besides headache, below are the symptoms you may develop due to an increase in your blood pressure:
- Blurring of vision
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the chest
- Nausea
When To Contact Your Doctor?
High blood pressure is not usually a cause of concern and does not require medical attention. However, if you notice an elevation in your blood pressure along with an intense and sudden headache, chest pain, or blurred vision, contact your doctor as high blood pressure could be a risk factor for other problems, such as stroke.
How to Treat Headachesif you have High Blood Pressure?
Whatever the cause of headaches is, they can lead to disruptions in your life, especially if they are consistent, and you may want to treat them. However, suppose you are suffering from hypertension and taking antihypertensives to treat it, it is crucial to choose the proper treatment regimen for your headaches to prevent causing harm to your body.
Here are some of the treatment options for headaches:
- Eating Certain Food Items: If your headache is caused by inflammation, you can treat headaches by eating certain types of foods that can help reduce inflammation in your body. Blueberries, celery, and flaxseeds are some food items you can include in your diet to decrease inflammation. You can also have whole grains as they help balance the sugar levels in your blood. This regimen has proven beneficial in controlling migraines.
- Reducing Intake of Caffeine: Too much caffeine intake can contribute to headaches. Your blood pressure may also increase by drinking an excessive amount of caffeine. Keep caffeine intake to a minimum amount. However, you may develop a headache as a withdrawal symptom after minimizing caffeine intake in your diet.
- Taking Over-The-Counter Medication: Relieving a headache, especially the unbearable one, by taking medication is usually the first step people take. If you are on antihypertensives for your high blood pressure, the best medication for you is aspirin. Consult your doctor before taking other over-the-counter pain relievers.
