High blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for a stroke. The condition is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ as there are no major signs. Blood pressure relates to how strongly the blood presses against the walls of the arteries when the heart beats. When a person has high blood pressure it means that the measurement is consistently too high over a period of time. The changes in the blood flow and pressure in the head results in a tingling sensation in the face. This sensory symptom is a warning sign and a person should see their GP and have their pressure levels tested.
Facial tingling is known as paresthesia and is a sensation similar to when you have sat in an awkward position for too long and part of the body becomes numb and tingly.
Face parathesia has a variety of causes and can be temporary or ongoing.
Other possible causes of face tingling:
- Sinus infection
- Headache
- Stress or anxiety
- Head injury
- Infection
- Nerve damage
When a person feels tingling or numbness in the face they should speak with their GP and determine the cause.
If the tingling is accompanied with symptoms of fatigue, confusion, chest pain, vision problems, irregular heart beats and blood in the urine; it is highly likely it is due to high blood pressure.
If you have levels high blood pressure levels, you should be taking steps to bring it down or stop it rising further as it puts you at a higher risk of health problems
Blood pressure UK
You can measure your blood pressure yourself by using an inflatable cuff similar to those used at your GP’s office.
You can also purchase a digital blood pressure monitor with automatic cuff inflation.
For an accurate blood pressure reading:
- Measure it in a quiet location when you are calm and relaxed
- Don’t exercise, smoke or drink coffee 30 minutes before measuring
- Vary the times you measure your pressure
A normal blood pressure is anything below 120 over 80 (120/80). Blood pressure UK said: “If you have levels higher than this, you should be taking steps to bring it down or stop it rising further as it puts you at a higher risk of health problems.”
Blood pressure UK advises five tips to lower readings:
- Eat less salt
- Eat more fruit
- Keep a healthy weight
- Drink less alcohol
- Get more active
High blood pressure puts major strain on all the blood vessels in the body and most worrying is the vessel leading to the brain.
This causes a blockage and means a person is more likely to develop a blood vessel in the brain and this could cause a stroke.
Taking the right steps to lower your blood pressure will decrease your risk of having a stroke.
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