Headaches and High Blood Pressure: What Fidelis Care Patients Should Know
Headaches and High Blood Pressure: What Fidelis Care Patients Should Know
Headache and Blood Pressure Evaluation at 14 Street Medical Arts
Are you experiencing frequent headaches and concerned that high blood pressure may be the cause?
Headaches are extremely common and can occur for many reasons, including migraines, stress, dehydration, poor sleep, sinus problems, medication effects, and other medical conditions. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, usually does not cause noticeable symptoms. However, very high blood pressure—especially when accompanied by a severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, weakness, or vision changes—can require immediate medical attention.
At 14 Street Medical Arts, our physicians evaluate headaches, high blood pressure, dizziness, and other related symptoms to help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
We welcome Fidelis Care patients, subject to individual plan participation, eligibility, and coverage requirements.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries.
When blood pressure remains elevated over time, it can place additional stress on the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels.
Uncontrolled hypertension is an important risk factor for:
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Heart disease
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Heart attack
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Stroke
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Kidney disease
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Vascular disease
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Vision problems
Because high blood pressure frequently produces no symptoms, regular blood pressure checks are important even when you feel well.
Can High Blood Pressure Cause Headaches?
Most people with mild or moderate hypertension do not experience headaches specifically because of their blood pressure.
However, severely elevated blood pressure may occur together with headache and other concerning symptoms, particularly during a hypertensive emergency.
That is why patients should not assume that every headache is caused by hypertension—or ignore a severe headache because they believe it is "just their blood pressure."
A medical evaluation can help determine what is actually causing the symptoms.
Common Causes of Headaches
Headaches may be related to:
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Migraine
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Tension headaches
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Stress and anxiety
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Dehydration
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Poor sleep
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Sleep apnea
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Sinus conditions
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Eye strain
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Neck muscle tension
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Medication overuse
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Other neurological or medical conditions
Persistent, recurrent, or changing headaches deserve proper evaluation.
When Headache and High Blood Pressure Need Immediate Attention
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately if you have a severe or sudden headache accompanied by symptoms such as:
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Chest pain
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Shortness of breath
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Weakness or numbness
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Facial drooping
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Difficulty speaking
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Confusion
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Severe dizziness
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Fainting
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Seizure
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Sudden vision changes
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Loss of balance or coordination
These symptoms may indicate a hypertensive emergency, stroke, or another serious medical condition.
Do not wait for a routine office appointment when emergency warning signs are present.
High Blood Pressure and Stroke Risk
Long-term uncontrolled hypertension is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for stroke.
High blood pressure can damage arteries over time and contribute to conditions affecting blood flow to the brain.
Patients with hypertension should work with their healthcare provider to manage other cardiovascular risk factors, including:
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High cholesterol
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Diabetes
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Smoking
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Obesity
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Physical inactivity
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Sleep apnea
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Heart disease
Controlling these risk factors can help protect both heart and brain health.
How We Evaluate Headaches and High Blood Pressure
At 14 Street Medical Arts, your evaluation may include:
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Blood pressure measurement
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Complete medical history
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Physical examination
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Neurological examination
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Medication review
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Cardiovascular risk assessment
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Laboratory testing
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Additional diagnostic testing when medically indicated
The appropriate evaluation depends on your symptoms, medical history, examination findings, and risk factors.
Brain MRI for Persistent or Concerning Headaches
Not every headache requires imaging.
However, when a patient's symptoms or neurological examination raise concern, a physician may recommend a Brain MRI.
Brain MRI provides detailed images that can help physicians evaluate for certain structural or neurological abnormalities.
At 14 Street Medical Arts, Brain MRI is available when medically indicated, providing patients with convenient access to advanced diagnostic imaging.
Brain MRA and Evaluation of Brain Blood Vessels
In selected patients, a physician may recommend Brain MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography).
While MRI primarily evaluates brain structures, MRA is designed to visualize blood vessels and may help evaluate certain vascular abnormalities.
Your physician will determine whether Brain MRI, Brain MRA, or another diagnostic study is appropriate.
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
The carotid arteries in the neck carry blood toward the brain.
A Carotid Doppler Ultrasound is a non-invasive examination that evaluates blood flow through these arteries and can identify narrowing or plaque buildup.
It may be recommended for selected patients based on their symptoms and cardiovascular or neurological risk factors.
Transcranial Doppler (TCD)
A Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound is another non-invasive test that evaluates blood flow through certain arteries within the brain.
When clinically appropriate, TCD can provide physicians with additional information about cerebral circulation.
Don't Forget the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea is an important consideration in some patients with hypertension.
Symptoms of sleep apnea may include:
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Loud snoring
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Waking up gasping or choking
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Morning headaches
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Excessive daytime sleepiness
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Difficulty concentrating
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Feeling tired despite sleeping through the night
Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is associated with cardiovascular problems, including hypertension.
14 Street Medical Arts offers Home Sleep Testing for eligible patients when medically appropriate.
Managing High Blood Pressure
Treatment depends on the individual patient and may include:
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Dietary changes
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Regular physical activity
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Weight management
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Reducing excess sodium intake
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Limiting alcohol
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Smoking cessation
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Improving sleep
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Treating sleep apnea when present
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Blood pressure medications when prescribed
Regular follow-up is important to determine whether treatment is working.
Why Choose 14 Street Medical Arts?
Patients choose 14 Street Medical Arts for convenient, coordinated care that may include:
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Primary care
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Neurology
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Cardiology
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Blood pressure management
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Headache and migraine evaluation
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Brain MRI
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Brain MRA
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Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
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Transcranial Doppler
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Home Sleep Testing
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Laboratory testing
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Advanced diagnostic imaging
Having multiple medical and diagnostic services available through one practice can make it easier to coordinate care when symptoms involve more than one condition.
Fidelis Care Patients Are Welcome
14 Street Medical Arts welcomes Fidelis Care patients, subject to the patient's specific plan, eligibility, network participation, medical necessity, authorization requirements, and benefits.
Our staff can help patients verify applicable insurance benefits before scheduled services.
Convenient Manhattan Locations
14 Street Medical Arts serves patients throughout New York City at multiple convenient Manhattan locations:
East 14 Street MedicalArts
332 East 14th Street
New York, NY 10003
West 14 Street MedicalArts
110 West 14th Street
New York, NY 10011
Columbus Ave MedicalArts
912 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10025
Radiology MedicalArts
500 East 14th Street
New York, NY 10009
We serve patients throughout Union Square, East Village, Gramercy Park, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Flatiron District, Upper West Side, and surrounding New York City neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can high blood pressure cause headaches?
High blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms. However, severely elevated blood pressure may occur with headaches and other serious symptoms. A severe headache accompanied by neurological, cardiac, or breathing symptoms requires immediate medical attention.
Can high blood pressure cause a stroke?
Yes. Uncontrolled hypertension is a major risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Proper blood pressure management is an important part of stroke prevention.
Do I need a Brain MRI for headaches?
Not necessarily. Most headaches do not require a Brain MRI. Your physician may recommend imaging if your symptoms, examination, or medical history indicate that further evaluation is appropriate.
Can sleep apnea contribute to high blood pressure?
Yes. Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. Patients with loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, or witnessed breathing pauses may benefit from evaluation.
Does 14 Street Medical Arts accept Fidelis Care?
14 Street Medical Arts welcomes Fidelis Care patients. Insurance participation and coverage can vary by specific plan and service, so benefits should be verified before treatment or diagnostic testing.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing recurring headaches, high blood pressure, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms, schedule an evaluation with the healthcare professionals at 14 Street Medical Arts.
Our multi-specialty team provides comprehensive medical evaluations and, when clinically appropriate, advanced testing including Brain MRI, Brain MRA, Carotid Doppler Ultrasound, Transcranial Doppler, and Home Sleep Testing.
If you develop a sudden severe headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing, weakness, numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking, or sudden vision changes, call 911 immediately rather than waiting for an office appointment.
About 14 Street Medical Arts
14 Street Medical Arts is a multi-specialty medical practice serving New York City through locations on East 14th Street, West 14th Street, Columbus Avenue, and Radiology MedicalArts. We provide primary care, neurology, cardiology, preventive care, advanced diagnostic imaging, vascular testing, and other comprehensive healthcare services for patients throughout Manhattan.