Hypertension (or high blood pressure) can cause numerous health problems. If you suffer from hypertension headaches, know that with a little preparation you can keep the pain at bay. When you feel a headache coming on, first measure your blood pressure to see if it is high. If so, take medication to lower it to relieve the pain. Also, try to keep blood pressure regular by avoiding stimulants, developing an exercise routine and improving sleep quality to reduce the frequency of headaches. Your doctor may suggest that you try treating your headache with acupuncture or other physical therapies.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Immediately Tackle the Headache
Step 1. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if your blood pressure is within normal range
Both ibuprofen and paracetamol are a valid and readily available solution in all pharmacies. As soon as you feel a headache, take the maximum dosage allowed following the directions on the package insert. When the effect disappears, take a new dose according to the times indicated in the instructions for use, until the pain disappears. Try different medications to figure out which one works best for you.
- According to some testimonies, ibuprofen relieves hypertension headaches more quickly than paracetamol.
- If you find yourself having to take pain medication almost every day, consult your doctor to find out what other options are available to you. Keep in mind that too frequent use of pain relievers may cause the headache to occur more often rather than help you solve the problem.
Step 2. Take a dose of a drug that belongs to the "triptan" class at the first signs of a headache
These are drugs that have a vasoconstrictive effect on blood vessels which can help reduce pain in the head. They require a doctor's prescription and are prescribed for migraine sufferers or hypertension headaches. These are usually pills, but they are also available in the form of injections or nasal sprays.
- For example, Imigran, Maxalt and Zomig belong to this class of drugs, also called anti-migraines.
- Check with your doctor to find out whether or not it is risky to combine pain medication with anti-migraine medications. Some drugs that belong to the triptan class can cause side effects, such as dizziness or muscle lethargy.
Step 3. Lie down in a dark room and close your eyes
In some cases it may be sufficient to take a break and lie down to lower the pressure level and relieve the resulting headache. You can lie on the bed, sofa or even the floor (as long as you are in a safe place), keep your eyes closed and relaxed, and take long, deep breaths.
Step 4. Call an ambulance if you have chest pain, nausea, or blurry or distorted vision
These are all signs that blood pressure is so high that it can impact blood flow to the skull. In the event of a hypertensive crisis, over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, will not work.
You may need to stay hospitalized until the seizure has passed and your blood pressure has returned to normal
Method 2 of 3: Lower Blood Pressure to Relieve Headaches
Step 1. Talk to your doctor to find out how you can lower your blood pressure
He will need to see you and analyze your medical history to find out what treatments to prescribe for you. Before resorting to medications or supplements, she may advise you to try a healthier lifestyle.
Step 2. Go for a brisk walk at least 3 times a week
You can walk for 30 minutes around your home or on the treadmill at the gym. Maintain a moderate to intense pace that allows you to speak with difficulty. Walking regularly will help improve blood flow to the brain and the oxygen level in the blood, while reducing the chances of getting headaches.
According to some reports, walking outdoors or on the treadmill as soon as you feel a headache can help you reduce its duration. However, it is not a safe option if the pain is accompanied by dizziness
Step 3. Get between 2,000 and 4,000 mg of potassium per day
Foods rich in potassium have been shown to reduce blood pressure. Try to include foods with a high potassium content, such as cantaloupe, raisins, peas, and potatoes, in your daily diet. If you are concerned about your values, you can speak to your doctor to consider taking a supplement or multivitamin each day.
The potassium-rich food list includes tomatoes, bananas, and sweet potatoes
Step 4. Take between 200 and 400 mg of magnesium
Magnesium participates in many chemical reactions that take place in the body, including that aimed at balancing blood pressure levels. Taking a magnesium supplement every day before bed can help your muscles relax, improve sleep quality, and control long-term hypertension headaches.
Magnesium is also found in many foods, including spinach, almonds, and peanut butter
Step 5. If you have morning headaches, it could be caused by sleep apnea syndrome
If you snore or have a restless sleep, you could suffer from sleep apnea, a condition that if left untreated can cause blood pressure to rise dangerously. Consult your doctor for a polysomnography, a test used to diagnose sleep disorders. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea syndrome, you and your doctor will be able to consider making lifestyle changes, taking medications, or sleeping while wearing a mask to treat sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea increases the levels of a hormone called aldosterone, which in turn can cause blood pressure to rise
Method 3 of 3: Therapies to Relieve Hypertension Headaches
Step 1. Talk to a psychotherapist about cognitive behavioral therapy
Ask your doctor for advice and schedule regular appointments with a psychotherapist. During the sessions you will analyze your thoughts to determine what might be the mental processes that trigger or fuel the headache. An important part of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy is getting rid of negative thoughts and formulating positive ones.
For example, if hypertension headaches typically occur when you have to cope with social situations, it could be caused by fear of having to interact with strangers
Step 2. Treat yourself with acupuncture
Talk to your doctor about combining the benefits of acupuncture with those of other types of therapies. During the sessions, the acupuncturist will insert long needles into various points of your body to relieve the pressure. During the first 14 days, you will have to undergo at least 2 sessions per week. After this period, you should benefit from even just one session per week.
Needle pain is usually minimal. If you feel discomfort during the sessions, tell the acupuncturist so that he can make some small changes
Step 3. Participate in a physical therapy program at least once a week
Look for a therapist who has previously worked with people with medical conditions such as hypertension. Work with him to develop an exercise and massage program that will help you improve your overall health. He may suggest that you do ice packs before or after exercising.
The correlation between your problem and exercise may not be obvious, but improving circulation and blood flow is instrumental in minimizing hypertension headaches
Advice
Hypertension headaches generally peak in the morning and tend to subside over the course of the day
Warnings
- Pay attention to the messages of the body. If you think headaches may be a symptom of another medical condition, talk to your doctor.
- If your blood pressure reaches or exceeds 115 mmHG (millimeters of mercury) it is considered hypertension and you must go to the emergency room immediately because you may need antihypertensive treatment by injection.
