It's natural to think that when something serious is happening inside the body, it will show signs, maybe through pain, dizziness, or some discomfort. But high blood pressure (also called hypertension) doesn’t always follow this rule. It can quietly rise, damage vital organs, and sometimes make its presence known only when it’s too late — like during a stroke or brain hemorrhage.
Dr Priyanka Sehrawat, a neurologist from AIIMS Delhi, explains that high blood pressure doesn't always give early warning signs. And that’s exactly why it’s called the " silent killer ." Here’s all we need to know about how this happens, and why it’s important to keep track, even when the body feels perfectly fine.
What people think: High blood pressure always shows symptoms
There's a common belief that blood pressure will start giving signals when it goes beyond the normal, maybe headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds. But the truth is, that's not always the case.
As Dr Sehrawat points out, many patients don’t know they have high BP until they land in the emergency room with a brain haemorrhage or stroke. She says, “It doesn’t always cross 140/90 with loud warning bells. It can quietly damage the body over time.”
This means not all patients get symptoms, and that’s what makes it dangerous.
Why it’s so silent yet so dangerous
Here’s what’s happening in the body:
High blood pressure gradually puts strain on the walls of blood vessels — including the delicate ones in the brain. This constant pressure can cause them to rupture (leading to a hemorrhage) or clog (leading to a clot).
What’s frightening is that there’s no pain, no dizziness, nothing unusual before this damage begins. The body quietly compensates for a long time… until it suddenly can’t. That’s when a stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure might occur.
Not every patient is the same and that changes everything
One of the biggest truths that often gets overlooked is that blood pressure behaves differently in different people.
Some may get headaches when their BP rises slightly. Others might feel perfectly normal even when their readings are dangerously high. Dr Sehrawat emphasises this: “Every patient is different. There’s no fixed pattern for how blood pressure behaves.”
That’s why regular monitoring is not just for older people or those with a history — it’s important for everyone.
The first symptom might be the complication itself
This might sound alarming, but for many people, the first sign of high BP is the damage it causes. A person might suddenly have blurred vision, slurred speech, or even collapse, and only then discover that their blood pressure has been high for a long time.
Whether it’s a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain) or an ischemic stroke (clot blocking blood flow), uncontrolled BP is often the reason behind it.
This isn’t meant to scare, but to create awareness. Because waiting for a symptom might mean missing the chance to prevent something serious.
So what can be done? Start simple, start today
Managing high BP doesn’t need expensive treatments. Sometimes, small daily habits make the biggest difference.
Here’s what Dr Sehrawat suggests:
These are not dramatic changes — just small steps that help the body manage pressure better, literally and emotionally.
Dr Priyanka Sehrawat, a neurologist from AIIMS Delhi, explains that high blood pressure doesn't always give early warning signs. And that’s exactly why it’s called the " silent killer ." Here’s all we need to know about how this happens, and why it’s important to keep track, even when the body feels perfectly fine.
What people think: High blood pressure always shows symptoms
There's a common belief that blood pressure will start giving signals when it goes beyond the normal, maybe headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds. But the truth is, that's not always the case.
As Dr Sehrawat points out, many patients don’t know they have high BP until they land in the emergency room with a brain haemorrhage or stroke. She says, “It doesn’t always cross 140/90 with loud warning bells. It can quietly damage the body over time.”
This means not all patients get symptoms, and that’s what makes it dangerous.
Why it’s so silent yet so dangerous
Here’s what’s happening in the body:
High blood pressure gradually puts strain on the walls of blood vessels — including the delicate ones in the brain. This constant pressure can cause them to rupture (leading to a hemorrhage) or clog (leading to a clot).
What’s frightening is that there’s no pain, no dizziness, nothing unusual before this damage begins. The body quietly compensates for a long time… until it suddenly can’t. That’s when a stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure might occur.
Not every patient is the same and that changes everything
One of the biggest truths that often gets overlooked is that blood pressure behaves differently in different people.
Some may get headaches when their BP rises slightly. Others might feel perfectly normal even when their readings are dangerously high. Dr Sehrawat emphasises this: “Every patient is different. There’s no fixed pattern for how blood pressure behaves.”
That’s why regular monitoring is not just for older people or those with a history — it’s important for everyone.
The first symptom might be the complication itself
This might sound alarming, but for many people, the first sign of high BP is the damage it causes. A person might suddenly have blurred vision, slurred speech, or even collapse, and only then discover that their blood pressure has been high for a long time.
Whether it’s a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain) or an ischemic stroke (clot blocking blood flow), uncontrolled BP is often the reason behind it.
This isn’t meant to scare, but to create awareness. Because waiting for a symptom might mean missing the chance to prevent something serious.
So what can be done? Start simple, start today
Managing high BP doesn’t need expensive treatments. Sometimes, small daily habits make the biggest difference.
Here’s what Dr Sehrawat suggests:
- Keep BP monitored regularly — even at home.
- Cut down on salt in daily meals.
- Stay physically active — a brisk 30-minute walk is enough.
- Reduce weight, especially belly fat.
- Stay away from smoking and alcohol.
These are not dramatic changes — just small steps that help the body manage pressure better, literally and emotionally.
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