the Link Between Hypertension, Dizziness, and Headaches

The association between hypertension and headache/dizziness?

Hello, I am inquiring on behalf of my mother, who is 61 years old.
With the aging process, she has developed hypertension and experiences occasional dizziness and blurred vision, especially in the evenings when she feels extremely fatigued by 9 PM.
She had a check-up at a major hospital last year, which revealed mild peripheral vascular occlusion.
To clarify, her blood pressure generally hovers around 140, and it tends to rise higher during periods of discomfort (such as during a cold, gastric ulcer flare-ups, or insomnia).
Recently, while accompanying her for a blood draw, the nurse was unable to draw blood from her right arm (although I cannot assess the nurse's technique, typically, blood should flow easily upon insertion of the needle).

Aside from her regular morning exercise, her daily routine is normal; she does not smoke or drink alcohol, and her diet is light and minimal due to gastrointestinal issues.
She also takes omega-3 fish oil supplements for maintenance, but the frequency of her dizziness and even headaches has not decreased.
Now that autumn has arrived and the weather is getting cooler, I would like to ask if there are any medications that can strengthen blood vessels, reduce occlusion, and lower blood viscosity.
I am concerned that the aforementioned symptoms may be due to vascular blockage.
Lastly, I would like to inquire about diagnostic tests.
Besides brain MRI and carotid artery examinations, would peripheral vascular assessments provide a more accurate understanding of microvascular blood flow and blockage within the body?

Alice, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/09/14

Dr. Lin Changqi reply Cardiology

A 61-year-old patient is not considered to be in an older age group for cardiology.
Based on your description, your mother may have some minor circulatory issues or occasional elevated blood pressure.
Since the information provided does not include diastolic pressure or other data (such as cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, etc.), I cannot offer many specific recommendations; it would be best to consult your family physician nearby.
Additionally, a balanced diet and appropriate exercise can have a positive impact on vascular health.
Since blood vessels are present throughout the body, it is advisable to examine areas with ischemia or stenosis; otherwise, it is not possible to assess the condition of the blood vessels.
Dr.
Lin Chang-Chi / Dr.
Zhu Nian-Feng

Reply Date: 2005/09/14

More Info

Understanding the link between hypertension, dizziness, and headaches is crucial, especially for individuals like your mother, who is experiencing these symptoms at the age of 61. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to various complications, including cardiovascular diseases and can also manifest through symptoms such as headaches and dizziness.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that hypertension can cause changes in blood flow and pressure within the brain. This can lead to headaches, which may be tension-type or even migraine-like in nature. The relationship between high blood pressure and headaches is complex; while high blood pressure can cause headaches, headaches can also lead to elevated blood pressure due to pain and stress responses.
Dizziness, on the other hand, can be a result of several factors related to hypertension. When blood pressure fluctuates, especially if it drops suddenly, it can lead to insufficient blood flow to the brain, resulting in dizziness or lightheadedness. Additionally, if there is any blockage in the peripheral blood vessels, as noted in your mother’s case, this can further exacerbate the feeling of dizziness.
Your mother’s symptoms of blurred vision, especially at night, could also be linked to hypertension. High blood pressure can affect the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to conditions such as hypertensive retinopathy, which can cause visual disturbances.
Regarding her lifestyle, it’s commendable that she maintains a regular exercise routine and a healthy diet. However, it’s essential to monitor her blood pressure regularly, especially during times of illness or stress, as these can cause significant fluctuations.
In terms of medications to strengthen blood vessels and reduce blockage, there are several options available. Antihypertensive medications can help control blood pressure, while medications like statins can help manage cholesterol levels, which in turn can reduce the risk of vascular blockages. Additionally, medications such as aspirin may be prescribed to help reduce blood clotting, thereby improving blood flow. However, any medication should be discussed with a healthcare provider to ensure it is appropriate for her specific health conditions.

As for diagnostic tests, besides the brain MRI and carotid artery ultrasound, peripheral vascular assessments can indeed provide valuable information about blood flow and potential blockages in the smaller blood vessels. Tests such as Doppler ultrasound can evaluate blood flow in the extremities and help identify any peripheral vascular disease.
In summary, it is essential for your mother to continue her regular check-ups with her healthcare provider, who can monitor her blood pressure and adjust her treatment plan as necessary. If her symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be warranted to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Encouraging her to maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, and adhere to her prescribed medications will be beneficial in managing her hypertension and associated symptoms.

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