A pounding headache is easy to dismiss as the result of a hard day’s work, too little sleep or not drinking enough water. But for millions across the UK and beyond, it could be a reason to check for something many may not think about.
High blood pressure affects around one in three adults nationwide, yet most people with the condition show no obvious symptoms. The NHS says headaches can occur in some cases, meaning persistent or unusual pain should not simply be ignored. Also known as hypertension, it involves the force of blood pushing against the artery walls being too high. Over time, this can put extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, therefore increasing the risk of serious problems including heart attacks and strokes.
The British Heart Foundation estimates that around 16 million adults in the UK have high blood pressure, with millions more potentially unaware they have it. Because the condition often has no warning signs, having your blood pressure checked is one of the simplest ways to find out whether you have it.
If a headache has already started, the NHS recommends drinking plenty of water, getting enough rest and trying to relax. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can also be used where appropriate, although people should follow the instructions on the packet and check whether the medicines are suitable for them.
What you eat and drink can also play a part in ordinary headaches. The NHS advises eating regular meals, limiting alcohol and avoiding spending too much time looking at screens if this makes symptoms worse.
Stress is another factor worth considering, as it can contribute to headaches or make existing pain feel worse. Finding time to relax and maintaining regular sleep can therefore be useful measures when trying to manage recurring headaches.
However, treating the headache itself will not address high blood pressure if that is the underlying issue. The NHS says people can have their blood pressure checked at a GP surgery, some pharmacies or through a home blood pressure monitor.
People should seek urgent medical help if they develop a headache that comes on suddenly and is extremely painful, according to the NHS. A severe headache accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, confusion, loss of vision or difficulty speaking can require emergency assessment.
For anyone experiencing headaches regularly, the safest approach is not to assume high blood pressure is responsible, but to get the symptom assessed if it keeps happening. Checking your blood pressure can also identify a condition that may otherwise go unnoticed because it frequently produces no obvious warning signs.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
