Nasal bleeding, also known as epistaxis, is something most of us have experienced at least once in our lifetime. The first thought that arises during an episode of nosebleed is heat exhaustion. But did you know nasal bleeding has also been linked to high blood pressure or hypertension? High blood pressure is a medical condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, potentially leading to health complications if left untreated.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Sheela Murali Chakravarthy, Director-Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, throws light on the same.
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What Is Epistaxis?
Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed, which occurs when blood vessels in the nose rupture, leading to bleeding from the nasal passages.
Research published in the StatPearls Publishing suggests nosebleeds are rarely fatal and accounts for only four of the 20.4 lakh deaths in the United States. "About 60% of people have experienced a nosebleed during their life, and only 10% of nosebleeds are severe enough to warrant treatment/medical intervention. They occur most commonly in children ranging from 2 to 10 years old and the elderly ranging from 50 to 80 years old," the academic paper reveals.
Does High Blood Pressure Cause Nasal Bleeding?
Dr Chakravarthy says, “Nasal bleeding can be the first manifestation of high blood pressure,” adding that it is a protective mechanism to reduce BP and prevent bleeding in the brain.
“Normally, the blood pressure to the brain is set higher than the normal BP, which is 120/80 to 160/90. This protects from bleeding into the brain, which causes hemorrhagic strokes and can lead to sudden death,” she explains.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), high blood pressure doesn’t cause nosebleeds unless you have extremely high blood pressure called a hypertensive crisis.
While there is no direct connection between the two, a 2020 study that used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, found that people with a history of hypertension were more prone to nosebleeds requiring hospital visits compared to people with no history of high blood pressure. However more research is needed to acquire a definite answer.
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Other Common Causes Of Nosebleeds
Dr Chakravarthy says, “Nasal bleeding can happen in summers with excessive heat,” adding that common causes include:
- Trauma from nose picking
- Any condition that reduces platelets, such as dengue or blood thinners
- Allergies
- Vigorous nose blowing
- Cuts and scrapes in the nose
Know What Hypertensive Crisis Means
According to AHA, if your blood pressure reading is 180/120 or greater and you experience other associated symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking, this would be considered a hypertensive emergency.
If you have nosebleeds, your blood pressure needs to be checked regularly, says Dr Chakravarthy adding, "The initial treatment includes keeping the head up while lying down and using a cold pack."
