High blood pressure (Hypertension) is commonly referred to as a “silent killer,” cuz it typically doesn’t have any signs and symptoms which are accepted universally. However, there are some typical symptoms and warning signs that usually make a doctor suspect High blood pressure (Hypertension). Among these, recurrent or worsening headache had been the closest thing to a “real” High blood pressure (Hypertension) symptom.

It has been seen for decades that patiensts with High blood pressure (Hypertension) seem to suffer more frequent and severe headaches. What is reason for this headach? The science and physiology behind headaches is in favour of this observation, as well – increased blood pressure causes a process called autoregulation in the blood vessels that run through the tissue underneath the skull (where most headaches start). In other words, the autoregulation leads to constriction of these blood vessels, which is a very well known cause of headache symptoms.

A Comprehensive research from Norway, found that people with elevated, untreated High blood pressure (Hypertension) were as much as 50% less likely to suffer a headache than were patients with similar health profiles but normal blood pressure.The studies, conducted in Norwegian patients and published in a large medical journal in the United States, were designed as a follow up to earlier research and found that people with High blood pressure (Hypertension) may actually have fewer headaches than those with normal blood pressure. Among patients in that study, those with higher systolic pressures and wider pulse pressures (i.e difference between systolic and diastolic pressures is high ) seemed to have less headache complaints. Interestingly, patients with High blood pressure (Hypertension) who were receiving treatment seemed to have headache risk similar to that of patients with normal blood pressure. This treatment/headache risk relationship persisted even in individuals who continued to have some elevation in their blood pressure readings inspite of treatment. This study shows that headache risk may rise as blood pressure decreases.

Studies and researchers don’t yet prove why raised blood pressure safe against headaches. Theories range from altered levels of certain blood chemicals and hormones to differences in artery stiffness – arteries tend to become more stiff as blood pressure rises, one of the main causes that High blood pressure (Hypertension) can lead to artry damage.

However this may be happy news for those who are suffering from High blood pressure (Hypertension), the risks of high blood pressure still far outweigh any associated headache reduction benefits. If you are being treated for High blood pressure (Hypertension) and are suffering from frequent or severe headaches, you should not stop taking your drugs. Rather, you might require a different drugs and medicines and should have consultation of your doctor.

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