The stress of a car accident can impact your body in a variety of ways. Even if you do not suffer any obvious car accident injuries, you could still experience some uncomfortable symptoms afterward. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can be caused by a variety of factors. Genetics, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions are the most common culprits for high blood pressure. However, you could also experience high blood pressure after a car accident. After an accident, the sudden physical and emotional stress of the event can result in an increase in blood pressure. Some car accident injuries can also cause hypertension as a complication. It is important to get checked out by a car accident doctor after an accident who will check your blood pressure and examine you for potential car accident injuries.
What Causes High Blood Pressure After an Accident?
High blood pressure is a condition that occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. Here are three examples of the type of high blood pressure you may experience after an accident.
Acute Stress Hypertension
Acute stress hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that occurs temporarily after a sudden or traumatic event. You may experience a temporary increase in blood pressure after a car accident, which can be a normal physiological response to stress. Acute stress hypertension typically resolves on its own.
Post-Traumatic Stress Hypertension
Post-traumatic stress hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that can be caused by long-term psychological stress and trauma related to an accident like a car wreck. You could develop post-traumatic stress hypertension that results in elevated blood pressure for an extended period of time and may need medical attention to address this type of hypertension.
Hypertension as a Complication
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can also occur as a complication from a car accident injury. Some injuries, like a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, are more likely to have complications like high blood pressure.
Signs & Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
For many people, high blood pressure does not have any symptoms. Some signs and symptoms of high blood pressure can also occur with other injuries too, which is why it’s important to see a car accident doctor and share all your symptoms. However, after a traumatic event like a car accident, you may notice the following signs or symptoms of high blood pressure:
Headaches
Severe headaches can occur due to high blood pressure. These headaches are typically located along the back of the head.
Dizziness
Dizziness or lightheadedness can also occur with high blood pressure.
Nausea
Some people experience nausea or vomiting as a result of hypertension.
Blurred Vision
High blood pressure can cause changes in vision, resulting in blurred vision or difficulty focusing.
Chest Pain
Hypertension can also cause chest pain or discomfort, especially with certain activities like deep breathing or coughing.
Shortness of Breath
High blood pressure can also make it difficult to catch your breath, especially during physical activity or exertion.
Blood in Urine
In some cases, hypertension can cause small amounts of blood to be present in the urine.
Fatigue
High blood pressure can also make you feel tired or weak, referred to as fatigue.
What to Do When Experiencing High Blood Pressure After a Car Accident?
If you experience high blood pressure after a car accident, it is important to see a car accident doctor as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take for hypertension after a car accident:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you have been in a car accident, you want to get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, you could be dealing with delayed symptoms or something that gets picked up on diagnostic tests. Your car accident doctor can check your blood pressure and monitor it to ensure it doesn’t rise to dangerous levels.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
When experiencing temporary high blood pressure due to a stressful event like a car accident, you can also practice relaxation techniques from home. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can all help reduce stress and lower your blood pressure.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
High blood pressure can be caused or exacerbated by poor lifestyle choices. Lack of physical activity, a diet high in fat and salt, and smoking can all contribute to increases in blood pressure. Adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding bad habits like smoking to help lower your blood pressure.
Follow Up with Your Car Accident Chiropractor
Keep track of your blood pressure and follow up with your car accident chiropractor as necessary. While high blood pressure after a car accident may be temporary, it is important to monitor it to ensure it doesn’t become chronic. Your car accident chiropractor can also provide you with support and all-natural solutions to treating any injuries and helping you recover after the accident.
Treatment Options for High Blood Pressure After a Car Accident
High blood pressure is a serious condition that may require medical attention and treatment. If you have symptoms of high blood pressure or if you have been in an accident, visit your car accident doctor as soon as possible. At Affordable Chiropractic Killeen, our team of car accident chiropractors will provide you with quality, personalized attention and care. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses any symptoms you experience after a car accident, along with the root cause of your high blood pressure. Call or visit us online to get started with a car accident chiropractor at Affordable Chiropractic Killeen as soon as possible.