Is it really true that hypertension causes no symptoms? we always here about the "silent killer" but I'd like to hear from people here if they actually know their pressure is bad due to symptoms?
As for me I have dizziness, flushing, fatigue, nausea at times ... i don't know if this is due to the hypertension. I had work up for pheochromocytoma and it's non-conclusive. VMA has been high, metenephrines and catecholamines have been high too but other times normal.
Sometimes dizzyness and flushing. Sometimes just an internal feeling that it is up. You indicated that your friend's BP stays the same even during spot checks. Remember, even those taking meds don't have normal BP all the time. Your BP exists for a reason. BP rises in response to threatening situations. Doctors are careful not to over-medicate patients so that their BPs never rise. People simply would not be able to perform. BPs must be allowed to rise. Some people are obviously oversensative to stressful situations reflecting an unnecessary rise in BP. And of course it takes longer for BP to return to normal ranges or not at all. I feel that not enough has been done to research this phenomenon. DK
Kidney workup is a good idea. My symptoms include anxiety prior to taking BP, flushing, pounding pulse, some dizzyness, etc. Almost always I have an internal feeling that it is elevated. You stated earlier that your friend's BP stays normal even during spot checks. Everyones BP rises occasionally. Doctors are careful not to overmedicate their patients. Elevated BP allows us to react to stressful situations - in some cases saving our lives. The fact is, we have to have BP that rises in certain situations - otherwise we wouldn't be able to perform. The problem occurs when BP takes longer to return to normal or doesn't return at all. Again, exercise has done much to alleviate stress and anxiety. Taking my own BP in a controlled setting is mandatory - otherwise it will be wildly out of control. DK
