September 2023

Knowing the signs and symptoms of changes in blood pressure is incredibly important. These can help you and your care team identify your blood pressure trends, leading to more effective changes and better managed blood pressure over time.

What to Look For

Changes in blood pressure can look different for everyone and knowing what to look for is only half the battle. We must first understand what a blood pressure reading means. Click the link below to learn how to understand your blood pressure readings.

Kidney Korner: Understanding Your Blood Pressure Readings

Listed below are some of them most common symptoms patients experience when they have a change in blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure

Headache

Irregular heart rate

Pressure or pounding in head/neck

Nosebleeds

Feeling anxious

Low Blood Pressure

Dizziness

Lightheadedness

Feeling weak

Confusion

Fainting (syncope)

Sleepiness

Nausea/vomiting

Blurred vision

Questions to Ask Yourself

When you begin experiencing symptoms of changes in your blood pressure, asking yourself the following questions can be vital to finding the root cause of the change. Your Care Coordinator and Dr. Munjal may also ask you these questions to gain a better understanding of your current situation and needs.

Have I eaten today? If so, what have I had? Has it been high in sodium?

Have I been sleeping well?

Have I taken my medications as prescribed?

Have my medications changed?

What has been my fluid intake in the past 24 hours?

How am I feeling? What symptoms am I experiencing that are out of the ordinary?

It is crucial to make your care team aware of any changes as they occur.