When blood flows through blood vessels with more force than is deemed healthy, the condition is known as hypertension, or high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can harm the walls of blood vessels and arteries. If left untreated, this can result in harmful complications and even death.
Damage to the arteries:
Blood pressure in the arteries gradually rises as a result of high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypotension may result in:
Damaged and narrowed arteries:
The cells that line the inside of the arteries can become damaged by high blood pressure. Dietary fats can build up in the weakened arteries when they enter the bloodstream. The artery walls eventually lose their elasticity, reducing the amount of blood that can flow through the body.
Aneurysm:
Over time, a section of an artery’s wall may enlarge and develop a bulge as a result of the continuous pressure of blood flowing through it (aneurysm). An aneurysm may burst, resulting in internal bleeding that could be fatal. Any artery can develop an aneurysm, but the largest artery in the body is where they occur most frequently (aorta). Your bp specialist can keep a track of your health condition, by keeping a regular check on the bp levels.
Damage to the heart:
Coronary artery disease:
High blood pressure causes arteries to narrow and become damaged, making it difficult to get blood to the heart. A heart attack, arrhythmias, or chest pain (angina) can result from inadequate blood flow to the heart.
Enlarged left heart:
The heart must work harder to pump blood to the body’s other organs because of high blood pressure. As a result, the left ventricle, the lower left chamber of the heart, thickens. Heart attacks, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death are all risks that are increased by a thickened left ventricle. Reach out to the best doctor for high blood pressure in case you are looking for high blood pressure treatment.
Heart failure:
The stress on the heart brought on by high blood pressure over time may cause the heart muscle to weaken and function less effectively. The overworked heart eventually gives out.
Peripheral artery disease:
High blood pressure plaque can block arteries in your legs, which can result in pain, cramping, numbness, or heaviness in the legs, feet, and buttocks after light exercise. Due to the misconception that peripheral artery disease is an inevitable part of getting older, it frequently goes undiagnosed despite the fact that it increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, gangrene, and amputation. Treatment entails dietary adjustments, medication, and occasionally surgery. Reach out to general medicine hospital in Coimbatore to avail best blood pressure treatment.
Damage to the brain:
Transient ischemic attack (TIA):
A TIA is a brief, temporary interruption of the blood supply to the brain, also known as a ministroke. TIAs may be brought on by blood clots or hardened arteries brought on by high blood pressure. A TIA frequently occurs before a complete stroke.
Stroke:
When a portion of the brain does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die. High blood pressure can narrow, rupture, or cause blood vessels to leak. Additionally, high blood pressure can result in blood clots forming in the arteries that supply the brain, obstructing blood flow and possibly resulting in a stroke.
Dementia:
One particular form of dementia can be brought on by narrowed or blocked arteries that reduce blood flow to the brain (vascular dementia). Another factor that can cause vascular dementia is a stroke that stops the blood flow to the brain.
High blood pressure patients are more likely to experience cognitive impairment, which lowers their capacity for thought, learning, and memory. According to some studies, people who have high blood pressure when they are in their middle years are more likely to develop dementia as they age. There is evidence to suggest that the earlier you control your blood pressure, the less likely you are to experience cognitive impairment in later life. Reach out to a hypertension hospital in case you are dealing with high blood pressure issues.
Damage to the kidneys:
Kidney scarring (glomerulosclerosis):
This kind of kidney damage happens when the kidney’s tiny blood vessels scar and lose their ability to function as filters for fluid and waste. Kidney failure can be caused by glomerulosclerosis.
Kidney failure:
One of the most typical causes of kidney failure is high blood pressure. Kidneys are unable to effectively filter blood waste due to damaged blood vessels, which causes dangerous concentrations of fluid and waste to build up. Kidney transplantation or dialysis are possible forms of treatment.
Damage to the eyes:
Damage to the retina’s blood vessels:
Damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, can cause eye bleeding, blurred vision, and even total blindness. High blood pressure and diabetes together increase the risk of retinopathy.
Vision loss:
The delicate blood vessels in your eyes can become damaged by high blood pressure, which can even cause ruptures and a reduction in blood flow. This condition, known as hypertensive retinopathy, can result in eye bleeding, blurred vision, or even blindness. High blood pressure can also damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss by causing fluid to accumulate within the retina, which can distort or impair vision.
Sexual dysfunction:
As men reach the age of 50, erectile dysfunction, the inability to obtain and maintain an erection, becomes more prevalent. But erectile dysfunction is more common in men who have high blood pressure. That’s because low blood pressure can prevent blood from reaching the penis due to limited blood flow.
High blood pressure can cause sexual dysfunction in women as well. Reduced blood flow to the vagina can cause vaginal dryness, decreased sexual desire or arousal, or difficulty eliciting an orgasm.
The good news is that high bp can be detected by your high blood pressure doctor specialist through routine checks. If discovered, it can be successfully treated with a medication-assisted strategy along with heart-healthy lifestyle changes, or occasionally just lifestyle changes.
Your blood pressure can be lowered by 10–20 mmHg or more by making small lifestyle adjustments like eating less sodium, exercising frequently, maintaining a healthy weight, consuming less alcohol, and giving up smoking. Additionally, it’s crucial that you follow the directions on any blood pressure medication that your doctor has prescribed.
Taking high blood pressure seriously and adhering to your doctor’s hypertension treatment recommendations can improve your general health and reduce your risk of developing serious complications.
