01.05.2026
High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called a “silent killer” because it can quietly damage your heart, blood vessels, and vital organs long before symptoms appear.
While many people experience no obvious signs, there are subtle symptoms of high blood pressure that may indicate something isn’t right.
Dr Ahmad Khwanda, Consultant Cardiologist, explains the early warning signs of hypertension to watch for, and what they could mean for your heart health:
If you feel unusually breathless when climbing stairs or walking distances that were once easy, it could be more than just being out of shape.
Persistent breathlessness may indicate that your heart is under strain due to high blood pressure or other cardiovascular conditions. Early assessment can help prevent long-term complications.
Any new onset of chest pain or discomfort, whether or not it occurs with a racing, fluttering or pounding heartbeat (palpitations), should not be ignored.
Even brief symptoms may signal underlying heart disease or hypertension-related strain and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Feeling tired all the time, even after adequate rest, may suggest that your heart isn’t pumping efficiently.
High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, which over time can reduce its effectiveness and lead to chronic fatigue and weakness.
Ongoing headaches, blurred vision, or vision changes can sometimes be linked to uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Hypertension can affect the small blood vessels in the eyes, making these symptoms a possible early warning sign of cardiovascular disease.
Certain visible changes — such as xanthomas (fatty lumps around joints) or xanthelasma (yellowish patches on the eyelids) — can be linked to high cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
While harmless on their own, these signs may indicate an increased risk of heart disease, particularly when combined with high blood pressure.
If left untreated or poorly managed, hypertension can cause lasting damage to the heart.
Over time, it may lead to:
Early diagnosis and management of high blood pressure is key to reducing these risks and protecting your long-term health.
Regular screening is essential as high blood pressure can cause lasting damage to the heart.
Especially if you:
Routine checks can help detect hypertension early, even if you feel well.
Dr Ahmad Khwanda leads the Cardiology Centre at LycaHealth Orpington, providing expert assessment for patients with high blood pressure and cardiovascular conditions.
His approach focuses on helping patients understand their risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies, all within a convenient local setting.
“High blood pressure is often silent, but the effects can be serious if left unchecked. By recognising early symptoms and assessing risk factors, we can intervene sooner and guide patients to better heart health,” says Dr Khwanda.
The Cardiology Centre at LycaHealth Orpington offers a range of diagnostic tests for heart conditions, including:
Patients requiring further investigation or treatment can be referred seamlessly to KIMS Hospital Cardiology Centre in Maidstone, ensuring fast access to advanced cardiac care without travelling into London.
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