The heart pumps blood through a network of arteries, veins, and capillaries. The moving blood pushes against the artery walls, and this force is measured as blood pressure. High blood pressure or hypertension results from the tightening of very small arteries known as arterioles. As these arterioles tighten, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the smaller space, and the pressure inside the vessels grows. When this takes place, a person may feel a pounding sensation in their chest, neck or ears warning that something is not right.
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If a person’s blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certain warning symptoms to look out for, including headaches, fatigue or confusion, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, blood in the urine or a pounding sensation felt in the neck, chest or ears.
If a person has a sensation of pulsing or pounding in their ears or in their chest when no exercise or exertion has been done, this could indicate an elevated blood pressure.
The pounding could also be many other reasons including drinking too much caffeine.
Anxiety can also have the same effect so its important for a person to monitor what they are drinking and how they are feeling.
Most people who have high blood pressure do not have symptoms said Texas Heart Institute.
It continued: “In some cases, people with high blood pressure may have a pounding feeling in their head or chest, a feeling of light headedness or dizziness, or other signs.
“Without symptoms, people with high blood pressure may go years without knowing they have the condition.
“A visit to your doctor is the only way to find out if you have high blood pressure and you should have a general medical check-up that includes a review of your family’s medical history.”
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How high is high blood pressure?
According to guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, a reading below 120/80 mmHg is classified as normal.
Those with a blood pressure reading anywhere from 120/80 mmHg up to 129/80 mmHg are classified within a category called elevated blood pressure.
Hypertension is defined as a reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher.
If systolic and diastolic measurements fall into different categories, the higher category should be used to classify the person’s blood pressure status.
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Difference between systolic and diastolic
Texas Heart Institute added: “Blood pressure readings measure the two parts of blood pressure: systolic and diastolic pressures.
“Systolic pressure is the force of blood flow through an artery when the heart beats.
“Diastolic pressure is the force of blood flow within blood vessels when the heart rests between beats.
“A blood pressure reading measures both the systolic and diastolic forces, with the systolic pressure listed first.”
Lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure
The NHS advised:
- Reduce the amount of salt you eat and have a generally healthy diet
- Cut back on alcohol
- Lose weight if overweight
- Exercise regularly
- Cut down on caffeine
- Stop smoking
If you have experienced a sudden pounding in your neck, chest or ears it’s extremely important to carefully monitor any other potential symptoms.
It’s always important to know your numbers in order to be aware of any changes you may need to do.
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