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  |  General Health  |  Diseases and conditions  |  Worried about high blood pressure
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Worried about high blood pressure

by Dr. Sarah Brewer

question
I'm a bit worried about a headache that I've now had for three days. It gets worse at night and wakes me up. I went to see my doctor and he asked if I am under stress. I am a little, but not so much that it would make me ill, and I have this headache when I'm not even worrying or busy. The doctor also took my blood pressure and said that it is very high and that my pulse is high too. He prescribed some pain killers that I have began to take and I have to go back for a follow-up blood pressure check.

answer
One of the commonest causes of high blood pressure is anxiety, when having the pressure checked in your GP surgery. The fact that your pulse was high makes this very likely. By going back and having it checked again, your GP is actually expecting to find it is more normal. It is probably the worry of the headache and what might be causing it that has made your BP rise. If you are diagnosed with persistent high BP, then the fact that it has been diagnosed and will be treated is good news. It is only when high BP is not diagnosed and is present for main years that the circulation can become damaged. If your headache persists, your GP will arrange tests to find out the underlying cause. You may find it helpful to contact the Migraine Action Association for help and advice, too: Tel: 01536 461333.
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