Headache World

In the past, the predominant view of high blood pressure was that it caused headaches and this was supported by evidence that showed that higher blood pressure results in an autonomous reaction in blood vessels called auto regulation. Auto regulation is a tightening of the blood vessels in the tissues, notably in this case those under the scalp where headaches originate. This was, understandably, deemed to cause headaches.

It seems that this previously commonly held view is in fact being called into question, however, as according to a study conducted over 11 years ago between 22,000 adults and measured over time (the results of which are now being published) high blood pressure actually reduces the amount of head pain that is experienced. For many who were diagnosed with high blood pressure headaches this may come as some of a surprise.

The study, conducted in Finland, found that those who had a higher blood pressure of over 150/90 were proven to have a 30% average lower risk of getting “normal” headaches and, for some groups, had up to a 50% reduction in headache occurrence. Migraine headaches were also less likely in women according to this study. While no one is quite sure on the causes for this some have attributed it to what is called “hypertension associated hypalgesia” in which the higher pressure reduces the nervous system’s pain sensitivity.

If you are currently taking blood pressure related medicine, specifically for blood pressure related headaches, it may be that your headaches are not attributed to high blood pressure at all and you should consult your physician for further information. This does not alter the fact that the blood pressure has been diagnosed and you should continue to take any medication necessary to treat your high blood pressure as foregoing treatment can cause much greater harm than good to your body.

When consulting a physician for additional information ask a few key questions to learn more about your case and what the physician may know that could help you. As studies have proven that people taking medication are just as likely as people taking medication to suffer from headaches this may be an excellent opportunity to re-investigate your case in particular and seek alternative treatment that can focus on the cause of your health problems rather than the symptoms.

If you’re a regular headache sufferer, consider carefully what you may be able to do to reduce these occurrences in your life. While your blood pressure is still an issue other things could be addressed to make your life easier. The most common types of non-severe headache are tension headaches that are initiated by stress, and luckily the treatments for stress and blood pressure are quite similar. There are of course a number of other options available and potential causes for headaches but with tension headaches constituting 90% of all non-illness headaches reducing a number of the detrimental factors in your life is a good start. Again, consultation with your physician first is still the best option however as a careful investigation into your health is always a good start.

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