The Relationship Between Headache and High Blood Pressure

Does High Blood Pressure Cause Headaches? Most of the time, high blood pressure does not cause symptoms. The only case where hypertension appears to cause a headache is with a hypertensive crisis. This occurs when blood pressure soars to 180/120 mm Hg or higher. Hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency, as it can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, memory loss, and other severe complications. If your blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or higher, wait five minutes and take your blood pressure reading again. If your blood pressure is still elevated but you don’t have any other symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. However, if your blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or higher and you experience any of the below symptoms, seek emergency care immediately:

Severe headache
Blurred vision
Confusion
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Nausea and vomiting
Severe anxiety
Seizures
Unresponsiveness

Where do hypertension headaches occur? A hypertension headache will usually occur on both sides of your head and is typically worse with any activity. It often has a pulsating quality. If you think you're experiencing a hypertension headache, seek immediate medical attention. How long do hypertension headaches last? Symptoms of this type of headache are: Head pain that lasts 15 minutes to 1 hour. Severe pulsing or constant pain. Treatments for Headaches There are many ways to treat headaches, from over-the-counter (OTC) medications to lifestyle changes to alternative therapies. While the below are safe for an otherwise healthy person, it’s important not to self-diagnose the cause of frequent or chronic head pain. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms, health history, and other factors to properly diagnose any underlying cause of your headaches and work with you to create a treatment plan. Medication Two main types of medications may help alleviate different headaches:

OTC pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) may be used for headaches and mild migraines. But these should not be taken daily for long periods of time, as some can lead to problems like ulcers or other gastrointestinal complications.
Beta-blocker drugs: For recurring migraines, doctors may prescribe blood pressure medication such as propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran). These can reduce the feelings of pressure in the head.
Reduce stress

While stress is an everyday part of life, finding ways to manage stress can help. Consider the following:

Therapy: Some evidence suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help alleviate symptoms of headache or migraine. CBT teaches how to identify and challenge inaccurate thoughts, which may help manage stress.
Relaxation techniques: Meditation appears promising for tension headaches and migraines, while aromatherapy with lavender essential oil may help reduce the severity of migraines. Both of these practices also help alleviate stress.
Yoga: For many individuals, this mind-body practice leads to lower stress levels. And some evidence suggests that yoga also decreases tension headache frequency, duration, and intensity. Less caffeine

Other treatments