Symptoms

High blood pressure doesn't have symptoms, which is why it is called "the silent killer." You may not know you have it until you have serious physical damage, such as a heart attack, heart failure, stroke or kidney failure. One in four adults in the United States has high blood pressure. Yet almost one third don't know they have it.

When you see the doctor, be aware that a one-time measurement showing your blood pressure as high doesn't necessarily mean you have high blood pressure. You need about three checks at different times to be properly diagnosed. Stress or even having a cup of coffee that morning might raise your blood pressure.

Symptoms of a heart attack

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It may last a few minutes or go away and come back.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, your back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Feeling out of breath.
• Cold sweats.
• Feeling nauseated.
• Lightheadedness.

Symptoms of congestive heart failure

• Shortness of breath.
• Persistent coughing or wheezing.
• Build up of excess body fluid.
• Tiredness.
• Lack of appetite.
• Confusion, impaired thinking.
• Increased heart rate.

Symptoms of a stroke

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion; trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

More on Hypertension

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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.