High blood pressure—often dubbed the “silent killer”—typically presents no symptoms. Yet, cardiologists are now highlighting a subtle warning sign that may appear first thing in the morning: headaches. According to Dr. A. Adnan Aslam and Dr. Roy Normal from the Northwest Houston Heart Centre, early morning headaches may be a warning sign of high blood pressure.
While not always a definitive symptom, they advise taking them seriously, especially when paired with other potential indicators. Additional signs of hypertension can include nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, vision disturbances, and even a buzzing or ringing sound in the ears. In more severe cases, symptoms may escalate to fatigue, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, or confusion.
These, experts say, warrant immediate medical attention. High blood pressure is particularly dangerous because it quietly damages blood vessels over time. Normally, arteries are flexible enough to cope with fluctuating blood pressure, but when hypertension goes unchecked, arteries can become stiff or narrowed.
According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), this hardening makes it easier for fatty deposits to build up, raising the risk of life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
Left untreated, hypertension can also lead to chronic complications such as kidney failure, heart failure, vision problems, and even vascular dementia, reports Surrey Live.
So, how do you know if you’re at risk?
An estimated 47 million adults in the United States are unknowingly living with high blood pressure, according to CDC data. While about 116 million Americans have hypertension—nearly half the adult population—only around 59% are aware of their condition, leaving roughly 40.8%, or 47 million people, unaware they have it. Since high blood pressure often shows no symptoms, routine testing remains the only reliable way to detect and manage it, making it one of the most silent yet dangerous public health issues in the country.
Fortunately, getting tested is simple and widely accessible. Blood pressure checks are available at GP surgeries, certain pharmacies, and even some workplaces. In England and Wales, adults aged 40 to 74 are eligible for free NHS Health Checks every five years, which include blood pressure assessments.
The NHS also outlines several risk factors associated with hypertension. It is “very common” among older adults, and those who smoke, drink heavily, eat unhealthy diets, or live sedentary lifestyles are at increased risk. Additional risk factors include being overweight, experiencing chronic stress, or belonging to Black African, Black Caribbean, or South Asian ethnic groups.
To reduce the risk naturally, the NHS recommends adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing salt and processed food consumption. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake—keeping it under 14 units per week—are also crucial.
Limiting caffeine, especially from sources like coffee, tea, and cola, can further help maintain healthy blood pressure. Early awareness and proactive lifestyle changes remain the best defense against hypertension’s silent but serious threat.