Visual disturbances, headache, strong palpitations, and pressure in the temples may be signs of a “spike” in arterial blood pressure, Brazilian cardiologist Wilton Paulo Vieira said, Metropoles reports.

According to the physician, one of the early warning signs may be visual impairment. With high blood pressure, blood flow in the retina changes, causing blurriness, bright spots, or difficulty focusing. These are often accompanied by headache and nausea.

Another possible symptom of high blood pressure is shortness of breath. Vieira explained that with high blood pressure, the workload on the heart increases, so breathing may become difficult even without pronounced physical activity. Against this background, a rapid heartbeat and a sensation of strong pounding in the chest sometimes occur.

Among other signs of hypertension, the cardiologist mentioned anxiety or pressure in the temples, dizziness, and a feeling of loss of balance. This is due to the fact that high blood pressure increases the load on the walls of blood vessels, leading to their dilation and spasms.

The cardiologist emphasized that the listed symptoms do not always mean elevated blood pressure, but if they appear, it is worth measuring the readings as soon as possible and, if necessary, seeking medical help.