High Blood Pressure Often Has No Symptoms, Experts Warn

Cardiologist explains why high blood pressure can sneak up on you without warning signs.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious health condition that often has no noticeable symptoms, according to experts. Cardiologist Fawad Kazi explains that as blood pressure rises, the body's blood vessels stretch to accommodate the extra force, and the brain adjusts to regulate blood flow, making the problem feel "normal." This lack of warning signs means high blood pressure can go undetected until it reaches a critical point and starts causing organ damage. Kazi advises regular monitoring, especially at home, to catch hypertension early before it leads to more severe health issues.

Why it matters

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions, yet it often goes undiagnosed because people don't experience any symptoms. This makes it especially dangerous, as the underlying problem can worsen over time without the person realizing it. Early detection and treatment are key to managing hypertension and preventing complications.

The details

According to Dr. Kazi, as blood pressure rises, the body's blood vessels stretch to handle the extra force, and the brain adjusts its regulation of blood flow to make everything feel "normal." However, this adaptation can only last so long before the constant pressure starts to damage the blood vessels. Additionally, the brain's ability to compensate means people often don't experience classic symptoms like headaches or dizziness until their blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels.

  • High blood pressure used to be considered a 'later-in-life' problem, but now younger adults are showing up with concerning numbers.

The players

Fawad Kazi, MD

A cardiologist with Hartford HealthCare who specializes in treating high blood pressure.

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What they’re saying

“Most people with high blood pressure feel completely fine, even when their numbers are high enough to put them at risk. You can't rely on how you feel to know if your blood pressure is safe.”

— Fawad Kazi, MD, Cardiologist (healthnewshub.org)

“If you're feeling symptoms, it often means that blood pressure is extremely high and risking organ damage. The goal is always to catch it long before that.”

— Fawad Kazi, MD, Cardiologist (healthnewshub.org)

What’s next

Kazi advises that the only reliable way to detect high blood pressure early is to monitor it regularly, especially at home, where readings can provide the most accurate picture of a person's everyday blood pressure levels. He recommends that anyone who hasn't had their blood pressure checked in the past year, especially those with a family history of hypertension, should make it a priority to get tested.

The takeaway

This report highlights the insidious nature of high blood pressure, which can quietly progress without any noticeable symptoms. By emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring and early detection, it underscores the need for proactive healthcare to manage this serious condition before it leads to more severe health consequences.