Feb 05, 2026
3 min read
High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms.Learn the subtle warning signs of who is most at risk and when you should seek emergency care when you have symptoms.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects millions of adults, often without obvious symptoms.You can get high blood pressure for years without feeling good, but that quiet weight can slowly affect the heart, brain, kidneys and blood vessels.
“Many patients are surprised to learn that they have high blood pressure after a routine checkup,” said Dr.Matthew Bocchese, cardiologist at Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care. "Because the early signs are specific, regular screening is the best prevention."
Almost half of the adults in the United States have high blood pressure, but many do not know it because the disease progresses slowly.February is Heart Month in America, making it a good time to be aware of your risk.
Subtle signs you shouldn't ignore
Blood pressure measures how hard your heart is working to push blood through the arteries.When this pressure remains high, it forces the heart and blood vessels to work overtime, often without obvious warning signs.Many people are perfectly fine, even if high blood pressure progresses slowly.
Some may notice subtle changes.They do not confirm hypertension, but consult a doctor if they occur frequently or interfere with daily activities;
Constant pains.A severe morning headache or pressure at the base of the skull may be associated with high blood pressure.
Vision changes.Blurry or double vision may reflect stress on the small blood vessels in the eye.
Fatigue or low energy.Feeling tired may indicate that your heart is working harder than it should.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.Feeling unsteady while standing can be a sign of blood pressure fluctuations.
Nosebleeds.Although not common, repeated nosebleeds without injury can be a sign of elevated blood pressure.
It felt like a heartbeat.Some people feel throbbing in the chest, neck or ears when the blood pressure is high.
Dr.“None of these symptoms automatically mean you have high blood pressure,” says Boccese."But if they're new, persistent, or appear to occur together, they're worth checking. Many people mistake these signs for stress or fatigue, but they can also be early warning signs that something's wrong with your cardiovascular health."
Who is most at risk?
High blood pressure can happen to anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk because of age, genetics, lifestyle or other health conditions.
You may have a problem if you are:
Leuwih is 40, blood vessels naturally stiffen with age.
There is a family history of high blood pressure or heart disease.
Are overweight or obese.
They are physically inactive.
Eat a diet high in sodium or low in potassium.
Exposure to smoke or secondhand smoke
You often drink alcohol.
Living with diabetes, kidney disease, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea.
You are a black adult because high blood pressure usually develops earlier and is more severe.
"Understanding your personal risk is just as important as understanding your numbers," Dr. "Even if you feel healthy, these factors can quietly raise blood pressure over time," said Barni.
When symptoms are worrying
Severe or sudden symptoms can indicate dangerously high blood pressure, sometimes called a hypertensive crisis.
This should be the medicine:
Vision changes or confusion.
Shortness of breath.
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
If any of these happen suddenly, get emergency treatment immediately.
Screening: The easiest way to find a hidden problem
Because blood pressure is routinely checked at primary care visits, many people learn about high blood pressure during their annual checkup.For many adults, especially those with risk factors, regular visits to a primary care provider are sufficient to continue monitoring.
You can check your blood pressure at local clinics, pharmacies with proven monitors, or even at home with a reliable blood pressure cuff.
Managing High Blood Pressure
The encouraging news is that high blood pressure is very treatable and often preventable when caught early.With a combination of lifestyle changes and medical care, many people can significantly lower their number and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Your primary care doctor is the best place to start to understand your blood pressure and heart health in general.They can help you monitor your numbers, identify risk factors, and create an individualized care plan.When more expertise is needed, a cardiologist can further evaluate your cardiovascular health and guide more advanced treatment options.
"Some people can lower their blood pressure with healthy habits alone, while others may need medication to keep their blood pressure in a safe range," says Dr. Bochese. "The key is to work with your care team to find a plan that fits your lifestyle and supports your heart's long-term health."
Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care have offices in Cape May Court and Marmora.If you have risk factors for high blood pressure, persistent headaches, dizziness, or unusual fatigue, or would like guidance on managing your blood pressure, schedule an appointment with one of our cardiovascular specialists by calling 833.SJHEART (833.754.3278).
