How to Determine if a Headache is Caused by Hypertension

Generally, hypertension headaches can be identified through aspects such as headache location, headache characteristics, timing of onset, blood pressure measurement, and cranial CT examination. If necessary, timely medical consultation is recommended, and treatment should be conducted under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Headache Location

When blood pressure rises, the pressure on cerebral blood vessels increases. The vessels become more sensitive and prone to pain. This type of headache typically occurs on both sides of the temples or at the back of the head. However, individual differences may cause slight variations in the location of the pain.

2. Headache Characteristics

Elevated blood pressure increases vascular pressure, which impacts the vessel walls and disrupts the heart's rhythmic pulsation. Therefore, the pain often manifests as a throbbing or pulsating sensation, similar to the feeling of blood vessels beating in sync with the heartbeat, resulting in rhythmic pain.

3. Timing of Onset

Blood pressure tends to peak in the morning and afternoon; thus, hypertension headaches are more likely to occur during these periods. For example, upon waking in the morning, the body transitions from a resting to an active state, causing blood pressure fluctuations that may trigger headaches. Similarly, physical fatigue in the afternoon can also lead to blood pressure changes and subsequent headaches.

4. Blood Pressure Measurement

An initial assessment can be made using a sphygmomanometer to check for elevated blood pressure. If systolic pressure exceeds 140 mmHg or diastolic pressure exceeds 90 mmHg, it indicates high blood pressure. Headaches occurring under these conditions may be attributed to hypertension.

5. Cranial CT Examination

A CT scan can detect abnormalities in the head, including changes in brain tissue, cerebral blood vessels, and periventricular areas. It can also assess other related neurological functions such as vision, hearing, smell, and language systems, helping to confirm the presence of hypertension-related headaches.

In daily life, reducing salt intake and avoiding high-salt foods such as pickled vegetables, braised dishes, and cured meats are beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.