How to Relieve a Hypertension Headache

Medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: September 1, 2022 References

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, can cause a variety of health problems. If you suffer from hypertension headaches, it's possible to manage your pain with a bit of planning. When you start to develop a headache, first check your blood pressure to see if it’s high. If it is, take a medication to lower your blood pressure which will help relieve a headache. To reduce the frequency of your headaches, work on managing your blood pressure, avoiding stimulants, and developing an exercise and sleep routine. Your doctor might also suggest getting acupuncture treatments or even physical therapy.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Responding Immediately to a Headache

1
Take over-the-counter pain relievers if your blood pressure is within normal limits. Either ibuprofen or acetaminophen are good options and readily available at any pharmacy. As soon as you feel a headache developing, take the maximum dosage allowed on the label. Then, repeat the dosage, as directed, until the pain subsides. Experiment with various OTC medications to see which one works the best for you.^{[2]
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- Some evidence shows that ibuprofen relieves tension headaches faster than acetaminophen.
- If you find yourself taking OTC medications almost every day, talk with your doctor about other options. Too frequent use of OTC pain meds can actually cause an uptick in headaches.^{[3]
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2
Take a dose of triptan medication at the first sign of a headache. This is a prescription medication that helps to shrink blood vessels, which can lower your pain level during a headache. Triptan is usually prescribed to both migraine and hypertension headache sufferers. You’ll usually take it in pill form, although nasal sprays and injections are options too.^{[4]
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- Triptan medications go by a variety of names, including Axert and Zomig.
- Talk with your doctor about whether or not it is safe to take OTC medications along with triptan. Some triptan medications can cause side effects such as dizziness or muscle lethargy.
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3
Lie down in a dark room and close your eyes. Sometimes simply removing yourself from your surroundings by feigning sleep can help to lower your blood pressure and reduce headache pain. Lie down on a bed, couch, or even on the floor (in a safe space). Close your eyes gently without clenching them and take deep breaths in and out.
4
Seek emergency care for chest pains, nausea, or distorted vision. These are all signs that your blood pressure has risen to the point that it might be impacting the blood flow to your head. If you undergo a hypertensive crisis, then over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, will not work.^{[5]
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- In some cases, you may need to be monitored until the crisis is over and your blood pressure has leveled out.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Lowering Your Blood Pressure to Reduce Headaches

1
Talk to your doctor about managing your blood pressure. Your doctor will look over your health history and status to determine the next steps. They may recommend changes to your lifestyle before prescribing any medications or supplements.
2
Go for brisk walks at least 3 times a week. Head out in your neighborhood or hop onto the treadmill at the gym for a 30-minute walk. Go at a moderate-intense pace where you can barely talk or hold a conversation. Walking on a regular basis helps to increase blood flow to the brain and can also improve your blood oxygen levels, which can reduce the possibility of headaches.^{[6]
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- There is also some evidence showing that walking as soon as you experience headache pains may also reduce the duration of the headache. However, just make sure that you are not experiencing dizziness if you decide to try this out.
3
Ingest between 2,000-4,000 mg of potassium each day. Potassium-rich foods have been shown to reduce high blood pressure. Try to incorporate cantaloupe, melon, raisins, peas, and even potatoes into your daily diet. If you are worried about your levels, you can also talk with your doctor about taking a daily supplement or multivitamin.^{[7]
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- Other potassium-packed foods include sweet potatoes, bananas, and tomatoes.
4
Take a 200-400 mg supplement of magnesium. Magnesium helps out with many reactions in the body, including regulating blood pressure. Take the supplement daily before bed to help relax muscles, improve sleep quality, and manage hypertension headaches long-term.^{[8]
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- Magnesium is commonly found in spinach, almonds, and peanut butter.
5
Get treatment for sleep apnea if you suffer from early morning headaches. Snoring or restless nights can be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition which, if left untreated, can seriously elevate your blood pressure. Talk with your doctor about signing up for a sleep study. And, if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, consider lifestyle changes, medication options, or even sleeping with a breathing mask.^{[9]
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- Sleep apnea boosts the levels of the hormone aldosterone, which can contribute to high blood pressure.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Participating in Therapy to Reduce Headaches

1
Meet with a therapist for cognitive therapy. Get a referral from your doctor for a therapist and begin to schedule regular appointments. At these meetings, you’ll work through your thoughts to see what mental processes might play a part in triggering or feeding your headaches. A big part of cognitive therapy is moving away from negative thoughts and focusing on the positive.^{[10]
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- For example, if you tend to get hypertension headaches immediately before social gatherings, it could have something to do with an anxiety or fear of interaction.
2
Get acupuncture treatments twice a week. Talk with your doctor about the benefits of combining acupuncture with other types of therapy. During an acupuncture session, a therapist will insert long needles into various points of your body to relieve pressure. Go at least 2 times per week during your first 2 weeks of treatment. After that period, you can usually see benefits with only 1 visit per week.^{[11]
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- The pain with acupuncture is usually minimal. If you feel any discomfort during the process, tell your therapist and they will make adjustments.
3
Participate in a physical therapy program at least once a week. Look for a therapist who is experienced in working with medical conditions, such as hypertension. Then, work with them to develop an exercise and massage program to boost your overall wellness. Some therapists may also suggest a routine of applying ice packs before or after exercise.^{[12]
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- This may seem unrelated, but improving circulation and blood flow is an important part of minimizing hypertension headaches.

Warnings

Pay close attention to your body and how it feels. If you believe that your headaches are a sign of another medical condition, reach out to your doctor for assistance.

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Blood pressure over or equal to 115 is considered severe hypertension and you should immediately visit the ER and typically requires an antihypertensive IV medication.^{[13]
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