Can High Blood Pressure Make You Feel Thirsty?

High blood pressure, dubbed the “silent killer,” often has no symptoms, which is why many people don’t even know they have it, according to the National Institute on Aging. 

However, some people talk about specific high blood pressure symptoms, one being if it affects your thirst. Here, we dive into the research on the relationship between high blood pressure and increased thirst. Plus, we'll talk about common high blood pressure symptoms and share some healthy strategies for managing this condition and improving your heart health. Read on to learn more.

The Link Between High Blood Pressure and Thirst

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is a health condition that impacts various bodily systems. If blood courses through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures, you have high blood pressure, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. 

There isn’t a direct relationship between high blood pressure and thirst. However, excessive thirst can be a symptom of several other health conditions, including diabetes. Or you may be feeling thirsty from eating too much salty food, which in itself can lead to health problems. “Eating a high-sodium diet can lead to an increase in blood pressure, but it can also make you thirsty,” says Sarah Schlichter, M.P.H., RDN, a registered dietitian at Nutrition for Running. As the American Heart Association points out, excess salt consumption increases blood volume and narrows blood vessels, which means you’re trying to push more blood through a tinier space. Over time, this can increase blood pressure.

It’s all too easy to eat too much salt: Americans consume 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day on average, far more than the recommended 2,300 milligrams, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms

Hypertension tends to be a sneaky disease that doesn’t come with symptoms until blood pressure gets dangerously high, says Kelsey Kunik, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and intuitive eating dietitian at Graciously Nourished. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get your blood pressure checked regularly. 

There are a lot of misconceptions about the symptoms of hypertension. For one, the AHA points out that high blood pressure does not cause headaches or nosebleeds. If you have all three symptoms—high blood pressure, headache and nosebleed—the AHA advises waiting five minutes and retesting your blood pressure. If your blood pressure registers 180/120 mm/Hg or above, you should call 911.

Other symptoms that may be related to high blood pressure include, per the AHA:

• Blood spots in the eyes
• Facial flushing
• Dizziness

Below, learn a little more about each.

Blood Spots in the Eyes

Blood spots, also called a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occur when a blood vessel breaks open and bleeds into the white of your eye, per Mount Sinai. 

In addition, it’s important to know that hypertension can damage your optic nerve, which is a bundle of fibers that bring visual information from your retina (the light-sensing cells in your eye) to your brain, according to the National Library of Medicine. Getting regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect conditions like high blood pressure, and following a blood pressure management plan can go a long way in safeguarding your sight.

Facial Flushing

This is a tricky symptom, says the AHA, because there are so many reasons why your cheeks might flush, such as eating spicy foods or exercising vigorously, and yes, hypertension, too. Meaning: It’s difficult to tell much from this symptom alone.

Dizziness

According to the Texas Heart Institute, high blood pressure can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness due to taking medications that lower blood pressure. If you find yourself unsteady or faint at times, it's crucial to check your blood pressure. The AHA also points out that dizziness in combination with loss of balance or coordination are signs of stroke, which is a medical emergency. Call 911 if you suspect you may be having a stroke.

Healthy Strategies to Improve Blood Pressure

“There are diet and lifestyle measures people can take to improve blood pressure,” Schlichter explains. Consider these strategies:

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Heart-healthy diets like the DASH diet are low in sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products that have been shown to help regulate blood pressure.
• Regular Physical Activity: Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and keep your blood pressure in check. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans from the Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.
• Stress Management: According to the National Institutes of Health, chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation or yoga can help manage stress levels to keep your blood pressure in check.
• Limit Alcohol: Research in Plos One in 2018 points out that excessive alcohol consumption can elevate blood pressure. If you drink, do so in moderation. That means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men, as recommended by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure and heart disease, points out a 2020 review in the Journal of Thoracic Disease. Seek support and resources to quit smoking and lower your risk.

The Bottom Line

High blood pressure might not directly make you feel thirsty, though eating a high-sodium diet, which most Americans do, can both make you feel thirsty and impair blood vessel function, contributing to hypertension overtime. Though high blood pressure may not cause excessive thirst, it can be a symptom of other health conditions so it’s important to check in with your health care provider if you develop this symptom. Managing your blood pressure through a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management, is crucial for boosting heart health and adding years to your life. If you suspect you’re experiencing symptoms related to high blood pressure, speak with your health care provider as soon as possible.