Studies disagree on whether high blood pressure can cause headaches. However, headaches may be a symptom of a hypertensive crisis (extremely high blood pressure).

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly half of all U.S. adults. This common condition has little to no symptoms, meaning many people don’t even know they have it.

Research is mixed as to the significance of the link between hypertension and headaches. However, experts agree that headaches may be a symptom of a hypertensive crisis, an event triggered by extremely high blood pressure.

Older research previously linked morning headaches to high blood pressure. But more recent studies suggest that this may not be the case.

While many people with hypertension may experience headaches, it’s unclear whether there’s a causal link. Most experts think that headaches are only a rare symptom of hypertension, and only in cases of extremely high blood pressure.

Research examining the potential link between headaches and high blood pressure has been mixed. According to a 2021 review, this is largely due to differing study methods.

For example, a 2021 Iranian study reported a strong link between hypertension and headache, while a Nepalese study that same year found no link.

Hypertension and migraine

If you already have migraine, a common headache disorder, recent research suggests that hypertension may make it worse.

A 2024 study found that high blood pressure may contribute to the development of chronic migraine. Migraine becomes chronic when you have at least 15 headache days per month, with 8 of those being migraine headaches, for at least 3 months.

However, more studies are needed before researchers can draw any definitive conclusions.

Migraine and hypertension risk

Research suggests that people with migraine may be more likely to develop high blood pressure. Scientists aren’t quite sure why, but it may be due to shared underlying mechanisms that cause both conditions or a genetic linkage.

A 2018 study of 29,040 women found a small to moderate increased risk of high blood pressure in participants with migraine compared to those without.

During a hypertensive crisis, aka malignant hypertension, pressure in the cranium builds as a result of your blood pressure suddenly spiking up to critical levels. The resulting headache feels unlike any other kind of migraine or head pain. Traditional headache treatments such as aspirin are ineffective at relieving the pain.

In addition to a headache, malignant hypertension usually is associated with:

If you believe you’re experiencing a hypertensive crisis, you need to get to a hospital emergency room right away or call 911 or your local emergency services.

Whether or not you have high blood pressure, understanding the cause of your headache will be an important step in ensuring you receive the appropriate treatment. Other potential causes of headaches include:

  • Primary headache disorders: These include conditions like migraine or cluster headaches. Migraine is more common in females, though cluster headaches are more common in males.
  • Cervical (neck) osteoarthritis: Many people with high blood pressure, especially older adults, may also have arthritis. When this condition affects the neck, it can cause headaches.
  • Anxiety or depression: Some studies suggest a strong link between high blood pressure and anxiety disorders. People who experience anxiety or depression may also be more likely to experience headaches.

If you’re having frequent headaches, it’s important to determine the cause.

To start, make an appointment with a primary care physician. During your appointment, discuss your symptoms with the doctor. They can also check your blood pressure and let you know if it’s in a healthy range.

Undiagnosed high blood pressure can lead to kidney damage, heart disease, and other serious complications.

If you’ve received a diagnosis of high blood pressure and feel a building pressure in the area of your skull, call for medical assistance right away. This could indicate a hypertensive crisis and needs to be addressed immediately.

No matter the cause, those with a headache seek fast relief. However, if you have diagnosed hypertension and are on medication to treat it, it’s important to be mindful of which treatment you choose.

Always check the label of your medications and make sure that you won’t be doing more harm than good with the way you choose to treat your headache.

Medications

You can take over-the-counter (OTC) medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help relieve headache pain.

If OTC treatments don’t work, a doctor may also prescribe medications, like triptans and gepants.

Depending on the type of headache you experience, a doctor may also prescribe preventive medications to reduce the frequency of headaches.

Nondrug treatments

Many people with headaches find it helps to move to a dark, quiet room. You might also benefit from a cold compress on your forehead.

Other ways to manage headaches without medication include:

Some dietary changes may also help reduce the frequency of headaches, such as reducing omega-6 and increasing omega-3 intake.

If you’re experiencing headaches, it’s not likely to be a sign of high blood pressure. Still, you should check your blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure usually doesn’t cause symptoms until it gets very high.

If you have hypertension and are experiencing headaches, they’re not necessarily a symptom of high blood pressure. Talk with a doctor who can investigate for other possible causes. However, if you’re experiencing other symptoms of a hypertensive crisis, like blurred vision or chest pain, seek emergency medical attention.

You can often make dietary and lifestyle changes to help manage both headaches and high blood pressure. Talk with a doctor about your symptoms and what the best treatment options might be.