High blood pressure is a common condition that affects more than 25 per cent of all adults in the UK. The condition, which is also known as hypertension, puts extra stress on blood vessels and vital organs. Diagnosing high blood pressure early is crucial, as the condition raises the risk of some deadly complications, including heart attack and strokes. You could be at risk of hypertension symptoms if your hands feel like they’re tingling, it’s been claimed.
Having a numbness or tingling in your hands could be a warning sign of extremely high blood pressure, revealed medical website LiveStrong.
The tingling may be a result of a hypertension crisis – where your blood pressure is over 180/120mmHg.
A hypertensive crisis requires immediate medical treatment, as it could lead to permanent blood vessel damage, and may even cause them to leak fluid.
“Called the ‘silent killer’, hypertension rarely produces overt symptoms and can be deadly if left uncontrolled,” it said.
“When not controlled blood pressure levels can rise to the point that you start to experience physical symptoms.
“Some of the symptoms are nonspecific and may be overlooked as being a byproduct of some less serious condition or external cause.
“These symptoms can worsen acutely and in some cases result in sudden death.
“You should seek immediate assistance from a health care professional if you’re experiencing muscle tremors or a sudden fall, trouble speaking or understanding speech, blurred or loss of vision, or a severe headache from an unknown cause.”
You could also be at risk of a hypertensive crisis if you feel very nauseous and start vomiting, or if you start having seizures, added the Mayo Clinic.
Left untreated, the condition can increase the risk of kidney or heart failure.
If you think you could be at risk of a hypertensive crisis, you should seek immediate medical treatment, it warned.
Many people may have high blood pressure without even knowing it, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as ‘the silent killer’.
Signs of hypertension only tend to reveal themselves if you have extremely high blood pressure.
If you do have signs, common high blood pressure symptoms include headaches, a pounding in the chest, and finding blood in your urine.
All adults over 40 years old should check their blood pressure at least once every five years.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist to have your blood pressure checked.