Hypertension or high blood pressure is a medical condition that occurs when the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of arteries is consistently elevated. This force can damage blood vessels throughout your body. High blood pressure is often asymptomatic and can go undetected for years, but it can increase your risk of serious health problems. Lifestyle adjustments such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing stress and medication can help control Irving high blood pressure. Unmanaged high blood pressure can increase your chances of getting these complications:
It can cause kidney damage
Your kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from your blood, and high blood pressure can cause damage to the small blood vessels in your kidneys. Over time, this can reduce your kidney’s ability to filter blood and remove waste, leading to a buildup of toxins in your body.
It elevates your risk for peripheral artery disease
Over time, hypertension can cause damage to the lining of your arteries, making them thicker and narrower. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, can decrease blood flow to your limbs, causing peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD affects the arteries that supply blood to your legs, arms, stomach, and kidneys, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. High blood pressure can also damage the nerves in your limbs, which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. PAD is often asymptomatic in the early stages, which makes it difficult to diagnose. The most common symptoms of PAD include pain, numbness, and cramping in your legs, especially during physical activity.
You are more likely to develop vision problems
Uncontrolled blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in your eyes over time. This damage can result in hypertensive retinopathy, which can cause vision problems ranging from mild blurriness to complete loss of vision. Hypertensive retinopathy can also lead to other eye conditions, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, which can cause permanent vision loss. High blood pressure can also damage your optic nerve, resulting in vision problems such as blind spots, decreased peripheral vision, and loss of color vision.
It can increase your risk of stroke
A stroke occurs when you have elevated blood pressure levels in your arteries, which can lead to a rupture in the head region. When blood pressure is high, it puts extra strain on your heart, which can cause the arteries to become stiff and narrow. This stiffness makes it harder for blood to flow through the vessels and reach your brain, increasing the risk of a stroke.
It can cause cognitive decline
Cognitive is the gradual loss of cognitive function, including memory, attention, and reasoning ability. When blood pressure is elevated, it can damage blood vessels in your brain, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to your brain cells. Over time, this can lead to the death of brain cells and the deterioration of cognitive function. Studies have shown that individuals with high blood pressure are more likely to experience cognitive decline and develop conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
If you have high blood pressure, call the V Care America Inc office or book an appointment online for treatment.
