7 early symptoms of high blood pressure, from chest pain to breathlessness, more

Hypertension symptoms: A dull, tight, or pressing pain across your chest shouldn’t be brushed off. It may feel mild at first, but it could be your heart working harder than it should (Image: Pexels)

You may often normalise discomfort without realising it. High blood pressure, or hypertension, are among such conditions. One fine day, you might feel absolutely fine, and the next, your heart is under strain without you even realising it. The signs develop slowly, but keeping a track can help you stay away from risks.

When it comes to ailments, your body shares subtle clues. And if you pay attention to these small signals you can protect your health. Says Dr Laxman Gaikwad, senior cardiologist, AIMS Hospital, Dombivali, Mumbai, “Don’t wait for a crisis. Know the signs. Know your numbers. You could be saving your heart. Many people may live with high blood pressure and don’t even know it. It is important to understand these signs, and check your blood pressure regularly, to avoid bigger heart problems later.”

Symptoms of hypertension:

Also read | Hypertension at 30: How bad lifestyle habits raise blood pressure in young adults

• Feel chest pressure: A dull, tight, or pressing pain across your chest shouldn’t be brushed off. It  may feel mild at first, but it could be your heart working harder than it should. Always get it checked, as delaying it may harm your health.

• Notice irregular heartbeat: That sudden flutter or a racing heart without any real reason, is not always about anxiety. “Palpitations could mean your heart is struggling under pressure. Don’t ignore repeated episodes, your heart could be signalling distress,” warns Dr Gaikwad.

• Catch breathlessness early: “Feeling unusually short of breath while climbing stairs or walking briskly may  point to fluid buildup or heart strain from prolonged hypertension. Breathing should come easy, if it doesn’t, something isn’t right,” says Dr Gaikwad.

• Watch out for fatigue: Feeling mentally foggy or physically tired all the time is more than ageing or overwork. “Reduced blood flow due to high blood pressure can dull your energy and muddle your thinking. Listen to your body’s need to slow down, it could be telling you more,” he says.

• Check your vision: Blurry or double vision that comes on suddenly should never be dismissed. “High blood pressure can affect the delicate vessels in your eyes. If you find yourself rubbing your eyes too often, or struggling to focus, get your BP checked,” Dr Gaikwad says.

• Monitor persistent headaches: Not just any headache, but one that often shows up at the back of your head, especially in the morning. “If it’s becoming a pattern, it could be linked to rising blood pressure levels. Don’t drown it in caffeine or paracetamol, investigate further,” he says.

• Don’t ignore nosebleeds: Frequent, unexplained nosebleeds can be unsettling. “While not always linked to hypertension, they can be one of the signs, especially when they come without reason. If it’s happening often, it’s worth speaking to your doctor,” the expert says.