Why Hypertension Is Dangerous for Your Body

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Its Complications

1. Heart Disease

Hypertension can lead to heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is a leading cause of death in the United States. CVD is a disease that affects the heart or blood vessels due to the effects of blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Hypertension can damage the heart in several ways, including:

• Narrowing and damaging the arteries that supply blood to the heart
• Straining the heart, which leads to a thickening of the heart’s pumping chamber
• Reducing blood flow to the heart muscle

2. Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart is not pumping well and cannot supply enough blood to the body. It can occur quickly or gradually over many years.

3. Stroke

A stroke occurs when part of the brain does not have enough blood flow due to a blockage or bleeding in the brain. Hypertension can significantly raise the risk of a stroke because it affects the arteries that supply blood to the brain.

4. Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of an artery. It can occur when hypertension causes weak areas in the arteries. An aneurysm can rupture and bleed, which can be fatal. Aortic aneurysms occur in the large artery that carries blood from the heart to much of the body, while cerebral aneurysms occur in the arteries of the brain, causing a stroke if it ruptures.

5. Cognitive Decline

Unmanaged hypertension can increase the risk of cognitive decline or impairment, which is a reduction in thinking abilities such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can help manage blood pressure levels. These changes include:

• A heart-healthy diet: Eating a heart-healthy diet can help manage blood pressure numbers and reduce the risk of heart complications.
• Healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the heart, manage blood pressure, and reduce the risk of complications of hypertension.
• Not smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, which can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Physical activity: Physical activity is vital to keeping the heart and blood vessels strong.
• Sleeping well: Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

Medication When Necessary

Even with lifestyle changes, you may still need medication to keep your blood pressure at healthy levels. There are many different classes of blood pressure medicines for managing this.

When to See a Provider

Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to symptoms that can affect daily life. If you experience any of the following symptoms, such as blurry vision, severe fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or nosebleeds, let your healthcare provider know.

Summary

High blood pressure can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. Dangers of hypertension include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision impairment, and cognitive problems. Many of these are the result of blood vessel damage, which can affect blood flow to the heart, brain, and other body areas. Work with your healthcare provider to manage your blood pressure numbers and reduce complications.