Several serious health conditions affect and are affected by blood pressure including, but not limited to: Atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels; heart disease and heart failure; kidney disease; stroke; and eye disease. High blood pressure can also increase risks of underlying health problems. Therefore, managing your blood pressure helps reduce symptoms of other health conditions while also avoiding the potential risks of HBP.

Patients with consistently high blood pressure often experience strong headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, nosebleeds, blood in urine, and low exercise tolerance. Severe hypertension or prolonged lack of treatment can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke.

As HBP is linked to obesity and lack of exercise or nutrition, it is a good idea to incorporate safe exercises and proper nutrition in order to lose weight. Smoking also largely affects the heart and blood vessels, so quitting is highly recommended to reduce symptoms. Lastly, excessive alcohol and salt consumption are considered triggers for HBP; it is important to limit their consumption to alleviate symptoms.

There are many types of blood pressure medications and their side effects may vary. Common side effects include weakness, headaches, fatigue, constipation, ankle swelling, diarrhea, low potassium levels, low sexual ability, and weight gain. This is an important discussion to have with your doctor as many symptoms lead to other complications or may worsen a condition you have.