High blood pressure warning: Hidden hypertension signs in your eyes - are you at risk? - Express

High blood pressure is a common condition that puts extra stress on blood vessels and vital organs. Around 25 per cent of all adults in the UK have the condition, which is also known as hypertension. Spotting high blood pressure symptoms early is crucial, as patients are more at risk of some deadly complications, including heart attacks and strokes. You could be at risk of hypertension if you notice your eyesight has become slightly blurry, it’s been revealed.

Blurred vision could be an early warning sign of high blood pressure, warned Bupa.

You may be blinking more than usual to try and focus on something specific, or rubbing your eyes to get a clearer view.

While it may be caused by simply getting older, or needing to update your prescription at the opticians, it could also be caused by high blood pressure.

Problems with your eyes are actually one of the more serious signs of high blood pressure, it warned.

“High blood pressure [hypertension] is a serious condition that can affect anyone,” said Bupa.

“A significant majority of people with high blood pressure don’t have any symptoms and aren’t aware of their condition.

“But rarely, high blood pressure causes one or more of the following: headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, or blurred vision.

“You may want to see your GP if you get a combination of any of these symptoms frequently.

“Eye problems and nausea can be particular signs of very high blood pressure or increased pressure on your brain.”

You should speak to a doctor if you notice sudden changes to your eyesight. It could also be caused by diabetes, a stroke, or psoriasis.

Other high blood pressure symptoms include having heart palpitations, nose bleed, stomach pain, and a high fever.

But high blood pressure is often known as ‘the silent killer’, because symptoms only tend to show themselves if you have extremely high blood pressure.

The only way of knowing if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist to have your blood pressure checked.

All adults over 40 years old should check their blood pressure at least once every five years.

Around 16 million people in the UK currently have high blood pressure, according to charity Blood Pressure UK.

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