HomeAnswersCardiologyblood pressureI have a terrible headache and tightness in my chest. Help.

What causes an increase in blood pressure with a terrible headache and shortness of breath?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At April 9, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 50-year-old and weigh 540 pounds. I have a terrible headache, tightness in my chest, and shortness of breath. My blood pressure was 176/132 mmHg the last time I checked. Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I suggest you follow the following measures to control blood pressure. Avoid smoking and other addictions. Reduce salt intake in the diet. Reduce fatty foods, junk foods, and saturated fats. Avoid stress and anxiety. Do regular moderate-intensity exercise such as brisk walking for 30 minutes. Have proper night sleep, at least eight hours per 24 hours including at least six hours of night uninterrupted sleep. Reduce weight even if the weight is within the normal range. Drink plenty of water. Do deep breathing exercises and meditation. Measure your blood pressure while you are totally relaxed, and sit for five minutes in a quiet room without talking to anyone. Empty bowel and bladder before checking blood pressure. Avoid tea or coffee 30 minutes before checking bp. Sit on a chair with feet on the ground, back supported, hand supported on the table, and cuff at the position of the heart. Check blood pressure, and repeat after five minutes again. Then check blood pressure in the other arm and repeat after five minutes. During the entire period remain relaxed and quiet. Arm with higher BP readings is your bp. You may take at least two or more readings and the average of readings is your actual blood pressure. Kindly tell me your current antihypertensives so that I may guide you accordingly. I hope I have cleared all your doubts. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq
Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq

Cardiology

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