Because they can be so common, it can be hard to pin down the exact cause of a headache. Was it something you ate, stress from work, too little sleep, a medical condition you don’t know you have, or something else altogether? Show
While we can’t get into everything here, this article will focus on high blood pressure and headaches. There is a connection between the two, but it likely isn’t what you think. First I’ll explain what hypertension is. Then I’ll discuss if high blood pressure can cause headaches, as well as treatments for headaches and when to see a doctor about head pain. Manage your blood pressure with K Health for just $29 a month. Get Started What Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?To understand high blood pressure, you first need to understand blood pressure. Blood flows from the heart, carrying oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood vessels to every part of the body before returning to the heart to do it all over again. Blood pressure is the measurement of how much force blood exerts on the walls of the blood vessels. It is measured in two numbers, read as, for example, “120 over 80” and written as 120/80 mm Hg. The first or top number is systolic blood pressure. This represents the volume of pressure applied to the artery walls when the heart beats. The second or bottom number is diastolic blood pressure. This is the pressure between heart beats as blood returns to the heart. Normal blood pressure for adults is less than 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is diagnosed when blood pressure readings are consistently above 130/80. There are two stages of hypertension:
If left untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Lifestyle changes such as being more active, eating a healthier diet, and quitting smoking, as well as medication, can help lower high blood pressure. 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:
Treatments for HeadachesThere 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. MedicationTwo main types of medications may help alleviate different headaches:
Reduce stressStress may play a role in both headaches and migraines in adults. While stress is an everyday part of life, finding ways to manage stress can help. Consider the following:
Less caffeineAlthough some caffeine is all right and may even have positive effects on headaches, too much caffeine may trigger migraines or headaches in some people. At the same time, caffeine withdrawal—which happens when you suddenly cut back or completely give up caffeine—may also cause head pain. If you have frequent headaches, consider how much caffeine you consume on a daily basis from beverages like coffee, soda, and tea. If you suspect caffeine may be contributing to your headaches, gradually reduce your intake. Other treatmentsOther treatments for headaches include:
As a bonus, these things may also help manage high blood pressure. Manage your blood pressure with K Health for just $29 a month. Get Started When to See a DoctorIf you have frequent, persistent, or worsening headaches or migraines, speak with your doctor. An occasional headache could be blamed on tiredness, stress, or hunger, but frequent headaches may be a sign of an underlying health problem. Your doctor will ask how and where you feel headache pain—whether it’s on one side of your head, both, or all around. They may also ask what time of day you typically get them, if there’s anything that seems to help, and if you have associated symptoms such as dizziness or blurry vision. Communicating all these details to your healthcare provider will help ensure that you receive an effective treatment plan. How K Health Can HelpK Health offers affordable and convenient access to highly qualified doctors to treat and manage high blood pressure, as long as you are not having a hypertensive crisis. You can meet with your K Health doctor from the comfort of your own home via the K Health app, all while knowing that you’re getting individualized and expert care. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat can a hypertension headache feel like? Headaches triggered by high blood pressure typically cause a pulsing sensation that’s felt all over the head rather than on just one side. If your headache is severe, happens suddenly, or is accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath, get immediate medical attention. It could be a sign of a hypertensive crisis or another medical emergency. Can low blood pressure cause headaches? Low blood pressure (or hypotension) does not typically cause headaches, but it can. Other symptoms of low blood pressure include lightheadedness, fatigue, or no symptoms at all. There are also headaches known as low-pressure headaches, but this refers to decreased spinal fluid pressure and is not related to blood pressure. What is the best way to get rid of a headache fast? Many things may work quickly to resolve a headache: Lie down in a darker room, ease the pressure on your head by removing hair ties or clips, drink some water (since dehydration can sometimes cause head pain), consume a bit of caffeine, or take an OTC pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). If your headache is persistent or becomes more severe, or if you have associated symptoms like vision changes, neck pain, fever, dizziness, vomiting, or if you pass out, see a doctor right away. K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
What is the best painkiller to take if you have high blood pressure?Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often the pain reliever of choice for people with high blood pressure (hypertension) because most other options are types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), which can raise blood pressure.
Can I take Advil if I have high blood pressure?Unless your doctor has told you it's OK, do not use over-the-counter ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or ketoprofen for pain relief. Instead, use a painkiller less likely to increase your blood pressure, like aspirin or acetaminophen.
Does Extra Strength Tylenol raise blood pressure?Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not an anti-inflammatory drug and has not been linked to heart disease and stroke. However, acetaminophen, like the anti-inflammatory drugs, has been linked to high blood pressure, according to the researchers.
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Best headache medicine for someone with high blood pressure
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