High blood pressure is known as the silent killer because it can cause serious health problems if not recognized early. Knowing what signs to look for can help you or someone you care about get the support they need.
Signs of high blood pressure:
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, may not have clear signs but it can show itself through:
- Very painful headaches, especially in the back of your head
- Feeling dizzy or like you might faint
- Having trouble seeing clearly
- Getting nosebleeds often
- Feeling flushed or red in the face
- Having trouble breathing
- Feeling chest pain, especially when you’re active
These signs can be caused by other things. That’s why it’s important to also have your blood pressure checked regularly by a health professional, and stay on top of preventive care. You can read more about proactive steps you can take here or visit our Annual Wellness Guidelines.
Quartz offers benefits to help prevent and manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure. You can call Quartz Care Management at (844) 403-1712 or submit a Care Management Request Form.
Signs of strokes:
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can put a patient at risk of other health concerns including damage to their kidneys and having a stroke. A stroke happens when something blocks the blood flow to the brain or when there’s bleeding in the brain. The signs of a stroke can vary, but here are some common ones:
- Suddenly feeling weak or numb on one side of your body, like in your face, arm, or leg
- Having trouble speaking or understanding what others are saying
- Feeling confused or having trouble thinking clearly
- Having a really bad headache, maybe worse than any headache you’ve had before
- Having trouble seeing out of one or both of your eyes or seeing double
- Feeling dizzy or having trouble staying balanced
- Feeling extremely tired or weak without any obvious reason
To help you spot the warning signs of a stroke, remember the word FAST:
- F: Face drooping
- A: Arm weakness
- S: Speech difficulty
- T: Time to call for help
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else, it’s important to call 911 for medical help immediately. Quick treatment can help you or a loved one receive treatment in time and prevent more damage to your health.
Key differences:
Strokes and high blood pressure can seem similar, but some important differences exist. Strokes usually come on suddenly and can cause big changes in how you feel and act. On the other hand, high blood pressure often doesn’t show any signs until it’s serious.
Knowing the signs of strokes and high blood pressure can help you or someone you know get help quickly. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—call for help right away. Acting fast can make a big difference in how well someone recovers from a stroke or how high blood pressure is managed. You can learn more about preventive care for high blood pressure and strokes here. Our Annual Wellness Guidelines also include information to help you be proactive about your care.
If you have a diagnosis of hypertension, you are eligible for a home blood pressure monitor. Ask your doctor to submit an order for this equipment if you’re interested. If you have questions, you can call Quartz Care Management at (844) 403-1712.
