High blood pressure often doesn't show obvious symptoms. However, many people with hypertension frequently experience fatigue, drowsiness, and a lack of energy. How exactly does high blood pressure lead to tiredness, and how can you manage it? Let's take a closer look at the details in this article.

The Association of High Blood Pressure and Fatigue

Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. It's normal for blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day, especially during physical activity. However, if blood pressure remains high for an extended period, it may indicate hypertension, or high blood pressure.

A person is diagnosed with high blood pressure if their readings are consistently above 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure is often symptomless, which means it can sometimes go unnoticed until a routine health check is performed.

Some individuals with high blood pressure experience fatigue, which could be related to the condition itself or other contributing factors.

Here are several reasons why high blood pressure might make you feel tired and fatigued:

Coronary Artery Disease

High blood pressure can cause blood vessels to narrow, hindering the flow of blood, including to the coronary arteries of the heart. When blood flow is restricted, the body doesn’t get enough oxygen, which leads to fatigue. Along with tiredness, other symptoms of coronary artery disease can include chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the arms or shoulders, and heart arrhythmias.

Enlarged Heart and Heart Failure

With high blood pressure, the heart must work harder to pump blood, leading to the enlargement of the heart muscle. An enlarged heart muscle requires more oxygen but struggles to maintain sufficient blood flow. If left untreated, the strain on the heart muscle may lead to heart failure, which can also contribute to fatigue.

Kidney Damage

High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to function properly. Kidney damage due to hypertension can result in tiredness and lethargy because the kidneys are less effective at filtering blood. Additional symptoms of kidney problems can include swollen ankles, frequent urination, itchy skin, and shortness of breath.

Lifestyle Factors

Your lifestyle also impacts your energy levels throughout the day. Dehydration, obesity, and lack of physical activity can all contribute to feelings of low energy. Furthermore, habits like smoking, poor stress management, and sleep disturbances can make you feel more fatigued.

How to Control High Blood Pressure

Managing high blood pressure typically involves a combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will likely prescribe medication to help lower it. To optimize your treatment, individuals with hypertension should also embrace a healthy lifestyle, which includes:

• Eating a balanced, low-sodium diet

• Exercising regularly

• Maintaining a healthy body weight

• Avoiding smoking and alcohol

• Managing stress effectively

• Following your doctor’s prescribed medication regimen

• Having regular health check-ups

Fatigue in people with hypertension can stem from various factors, including kidney issues, blood vessel damage, and lifestyle choices. If your test results indicate high blood pressure, it’s important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. You can also make use of the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, which is available for download on both the Play Store and App Store.

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