High blood pressure is associated with numerous serious health risks, including kidney failure, stroke, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, heart failure, angina, and damage to the retina and vision. While some groups are more predisposed, it can occur in anyone and is often controlled with medication and lifestyle changes. Surgery may be necessary for blocked or hardened arteries.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is associated with numerous risks. Controlling it with blood pressure medications can reduce but not eliminate all risks. Although some groups of people are more predisposed to high blood pressure, it sometimes occurs in people who appear otherwise healthy. However, most suffer from high blood pressure as they get older or are obese. People of African descent are in a slightly higher risk group for developing this condition which is not related to weight gain or age. Also, people subjected to extreme stress are at greater risk.
One of the main causative factors of kidney stress, as blood pressure rises, excess fluid builds up in the body. The kidneys have to work harder to handle the excess fluid and, as a result, often become overworked. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is responsible for approximately 15,000 new cases of kidney failure each year in the United States alone.
High blood pressure is also indicated in the increased risk of stroke. It can also cause hardening of the arteries, which is called atherosclerosis. This condition makes it easier for blood clots to form in narrowed pathways. High blood pressure is also a major cause of heart attacks.
Those with high blood pressure can also go into heart failure, a gradual process in which the heart begins to work less and less efficiently. Although medications can help reduce heart failure, late-stage heart failure is a leading cause of death. In addition, the overworked heart can gradually enlarge, which again causes inefficiency of the heart muscles.
Those with high blood pressure are more prone to experience angina, which is extreme chest pain. They have also been shown to be more prone to damage to the retina and damage to vision. Some with this condition may be at increased risk of bleeding in the brain, particularly from blood clots or aneurysms.
Overall, the risks of high blood pressure are varied and most are quite serious. In many cases, it can be controlled by changes in diet and exercise. When these alone fail to lower blood pressure, drugs are usually added. If it’s already causing fluid retention, it’s quite common for people to also take diuretics, which help the body get rid of excess fluid. Heart symptoms such as heart failure and angina can also be controlled with medication. Blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin are also added to prevent clotting.
Blocked or hardened arteries may require surgery to open or bypass the blockages. Additionally, you may need heart surgery or the implantation of a pacemaker to address a slow heart rate or an inefficient heart. Often these treatments can help reduce your risks as long as your high blood pressure remains under control.
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