More than 25 per cent of all UK adults have high blood pressure.
The condition, which is also known as hypertension, puts extra stress on blood vessels and vital organs.
Maintaining a normal blood pressure is crucial, as left untreated, hypertension can lead to a number of deadly complications, including heart attacks and strokes.
These are some of the most common warning signs of high blood pressure, including headaches and blood spots.
“It is unlikely what you’re experiencing is symptoms of high blood pressure – you might be worried you have symptoms of high blood pressure,” said Superdrug.
“However, the truth is, that the vast majority of patients with high blood pressure have no symptoms at all.
“It is possible to get high blood pressure symptoms – if you do have high blood pressure, there are some symptoms you could experience.”
Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common signs of high blood pressure, according to Superdrug.
They’re very common, and may be also be caused by sinusitis or stress.
Taking certain medications could also increase the risk of painful headaches, it said.
Visual symptoms
High blood pressure may cause some symptoms that can only be seen through your eyes.
Seeing floaters or blood spots could be a warning sign of hypertension.
It’s relatively common, but should be seen by a doctor, said Superdrug.
Palpitations
Having very high blood pressure could cause some patients to have palpitations.
Palpitations describe the sensation of feeling your own heart beating, and it may feel like a thud or fluttering in the chest.
More often than not, palpitations are nothing to worry about, and may simply be due to anxiety. But, it’s still important to get it seen by a GP.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are a common sign of hypertension, said Superdrug.
They’re usually caused by a weakness in the blood vessels in the inner lining of the nose.
Patients suffering from frequent nosebleeds may have to have the inner part of the nose burned by a doctor to close it off. This medical technique is known as cauterisation.
Facial flushing
Facial flushing can occur if the blood vessels in the face dilate, said charity American Heart Association.
It may happen unpredictably or as a response to eating spicy foods, certain skin-care products, or even cold weather.
All of these can raise blood pressure temporarily, which leads to facial flushing, it said.
