The doctor named 3 sensations in the legs that can signal hypertension

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It is estimated that about a third of adults worldwide have high blood pressure, putting them at daily risk of stroke. Symptoms are rare in the early stages, but progressive damage to blood vessels can eventually cause symptoms. At this stage, three characteristic sensations may appear in the legs.

The first symptoms of high blood pressure are early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heartbeat, changes in vision, and tinnitus.

In severe cases, symptoms may worsen, leading to fatigue, vomiting, nausea, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors.

“Normally, the vessels that carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body have a smooth inner lining. They are strong and flexible enough to push blood through your body. High blood pressure changes this. The extra force of the blood can damage the cells on the inner walls of your arteries,” says the GP.

As this pressure is rarely relieved, it can cause the smooth inner lining to tear. This, in turn, can make the inner lining of the vessel rough, allowing fat molecules traveling with the blood stream to cling to it. Artery walls covered with fatty plaque can reduce blood flow to the extremities.

“When blood flow to the muscles begins to be obstructed, people are more likely to experience pain, aches and cramps.”

People with suspected high blood pressure should also examine their lower legs for changes in temperature or skin tone. Sometimes a weak pulse in the legs can cause burning or numbness and tingling.

Cramping may also occur after exercise because the increased need for oxygen is not being met.

“Although it may not seem like it is serious problems on their own, they are precursors of potentially fatal diseases of the circulatory system,” the doctor adds.