There are several types of headaches caused by high blood pressure (hypertension).Headaches associated with hypertension may occur in children, men, women and any ethnic group.
Migraine: Studies show hypertension can cause headaches and vice versa; migraines can trigger hypertension. To find out what is happening to you, ask your doctor to treat their hypertension with medications.
If your migraine does not resurface, the problem can be solved; however, if your blood pressure rises during a migraine, you may need to treat it with migraine and blood pressure medication.
Preeclampsia Pregnancy: Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to stroke in pregnant women. Preeclampsia can occur with the first pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, pregnant women over 35 years, history of diabetes in the mother or family, high sodium intake and obesity. Symptoms include high blood pressure, pain dull or throbbing, swelling of hands, feet and ankles. If you are pregnant and have these symptoms, contact your OBGYN immediately.
Malignant hypertension: Malignant hypertension is caused by a very high blood pressure and swelling of the optic nerve. This type of disorder is more common in young african-American adults, but can occur in all children and adults as well. Only 1 percent of people are affected by this type of blood pressure disorder. It is very important that people have the correct diagnosis with this affliction from malignant hypertension is a medical emergency.Symptoms include headaches, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision and chest pain associated with a sense of crushing or pressing.
Possible stroke: Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke. The biggest warning sign of a stroke is a sudden, severe headache with no known reason. Other symptoms include slurred speech, difficulty seeing in one or both eyes and loss of balance. Call 911 immediately if this is happening to you or someone close to you.