High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects approximately one in three adults in the UK and is often dubbed the “silent killer” due to its lack of obvious symptoms. However, emerging evidence suggests that nosebleeds may sometimes serve as a warning sign of this potentially dangerous condition.
Hypertension forces the heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, increasing the risk of serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and organ damage. While many people with high blood pressure experience no symptoms, some may notice nosebleeds that are more frequent or severe than usual.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) acknowledges that high blood pressure rarely presents noticeable symptoms but lists nosebleeds as a possible indicator. Medical experts note that while high blood pressure alone is unlikely to cause nosebleeds unless it reaches extremely high levels, it can weaken blood vessels in the nose, making bleeding more probable.
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A 2020 study published in JAMA Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery analyzed over 70,000 participants, half with high blood pressure and half without, tracking spontaneous nosebleeds over 14 years. The results revealed that people with hypertension had a 47% higher chance of experiencing nosebleeds and were more likely to endure severe episodes requiring emergency care, with a 2.7-fold increase in hospital visits linked to nosebleeds.
The NHS also highlights that individuals with high blood pressure are particularly vulnerable to nosebleeds. Other symptoms to watch for include headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision, though these are less common.
Anyone concerned about their blood pressure or experiencing frequent nosebleeds should consult their GP for assessment and advice.