How does high blood pressure affect your heart. What are the risks of untreated hypertension. Can hypertension damage your kidneys. Is high blood pressure linked to vision problems. Does hypertension impact sexual function. What is a hypertensive crisis and its symptoms. How can you protect your cardiovascular health.

Understanding the Prevalence and Risks of Hypertension

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, affects approximately one in three American adults according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite its prevalence, the dangers of untreated hypertension should not be underestimated. Left unchecked, high blood pressure can lead to severe, potentially life-threatening complications.

The Impact of Hypertension on Heart Health

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can significantly affect your cardiovascular system, leading to several serious conditions:

Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

How does hypertension contribute to heart attacks and strokes. High blood pressure damages arterial walls, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup. This narrows and hardens the arteries, potentially leading to blood clots. These clots can obstruct blood flow to the heart or brain, resulting in a heart attack or stroke.

Higher Likelihood of Heart Failure

Why does hypertension increase the risk of heart failure. When arteries are narrowed or hardened, the heart must work harder to circulate blood. This increased workload can cause the heart to enlarge and eventually fail to supply organs with adequate blood flow.

Chest Pain (Angina)

Can high blood pressure cause chest pain. Yes, hypertension can lead to angina, a condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort. This occurs when the heart doesn’t receive sufficient blood, especially during physical activities like walking uphill or climbing stairs.

Hypertension’s Effects on Kidney Function

The kidneys play a crucial role in toxin elimination and regulation of bodily functions. High blood pressure can severely impact kidney health:

• Damage to arteries surrounding the kidneys
• Reduced kidney function
• Potential kidney failure in severe cases

Vision Problems Associated with Hypertension

How does high blood pressure affect eyesight. The eyes contain numerous small blood vessels that can be easily strained or damaged by hypertension. Additionally, high blood pressure can cause swelling of the optic nerve. While lowering blood pressure may reverse some vision problems, untreated hypertension can lead to permanent vision loss or impairment.

Sexual Dysfunction and Hypertension

Is there a link between high blood pressure and sexual health. Indeed, hypertension can have significant impacts on sexual function:

• Women may experience decreased libido
• Men are at higher risk of erectile dysfunction

Peripheral Artery Disease: A Consequence of Hypertension

What is peripheral artery disease (PAD) and how is it related to high blood pressure. PAD occurs when arteries in the legs, arms, stomach, or head become narrowed, causing pain, cramping, and fatigue. Hypertension increases the risk of developing PAD, which in turn elevates the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Hypertensive Crisis: A Medical Emergency

What constitutes a hypertensive crisis. A hypertensive crisis is a severe medical emergency where blood pressure rapidly rises above 180/120. This can cause organ damage and other life-threatening complications.

Symptoms of Hypertensive Crisis

How can you recognize a hypertensive crisis. Be aware of the following symptoms:

1. Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
2. Dizziness and lightheadedness
3. Severe headaches
4. Nosebleeds
5. Shortness of breath
6. Chest discomfort or pain
7. Anxiety or a feeling that something is wrong

If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or visiting the nearest emergency department.

Protecting Your Cardiovascular Health

How can you safeguard your heart health against hypertension. The good news is that high blood pressure can be identified through regular check-ups and successfully managed with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Modifications for Blood Pressure Control

What lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure. Implementing the following habits can significantly reduce your blood pressure:

• Adopting a low-sodium diet
• Engaging in regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Quitting smoking

These changes can potentially lower your blood pressure by 10-20 mmHg or more.

Importance of Medication Adherence

Why is it crucial to take blood pressure medication as prescribed. If your doctor has prescribed blood pressure medication, adhering to the prescribed regimen is vital for effectively managing your condition and reducing the risk of complications.

By taking high blood pressure seriously and following your doctor’s treatment instructions, you can significantly lower your risk of serious complications and improve your overall health.

Monitoring and Managing Hypertension

How often should you have your blood pressure checked. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for early detection and management of hypertension. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or believe you might be at risk, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.

Utilizing Technology for Blood Pressure Management

Can technology help in managing hypertension. Yes, modern healthcare apps can be valuable tools in monitoring and managing your blood pressure. For instance, the UPMC Central PA Portal app provides patients with 24/7 access to their health information, allowing them to:

• Send messages to their doctors
• Refill prescriptions
• View test results
• Schedule and manage appointments, including video visits

Such tools can enhance communication with healthcare providers and improve overall hypertension management.

Comprehensive Care for Hypertension

Where can you find comprehensive care for hypertension. Healthcare providers like UPMC offer a range of services to support patients with hypertension:

• Access to specialized doctors
• Regular health screenings
• Educational programs and classes
• Personalized treatment plans

When seeking care for hypertension, it’s important to choose a healthcare provider that offers comprehensive services and personalized care.

Understanding the Long-term Implications of Hypertension

What are the long-term effects of uncontrolled hypertension. Chronic high blood pressure can lead to various complications over time:

• Accelerated atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Increased risk of aneurysms
• Cognitive decline and dementia
• Metabolic syndrome

Understanding these long-term implications underscores the importance of early detection and consistent management of hypertension.

The Role of Diet in Hypertension Management

How does diet influence blood pressure. Diet plays a crucial role in managing hypertension. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet has been shown to be particularly effective:

Key Components of the DASH Diet

• Rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Includes lean proteins, low-fat dairy, nuts, and legumes
• Limits sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars

Adopting a DASH-style eating pattern can significantly lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Exercise and Physical Activity in Hypertension Control

What types of exercise are beneficial for managing high blood pressure. Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of hypertension management. Beneficial exercises include:

• Aerobic activities (walking, jogging, cycling)
• Strength training
• Flexibility exercises
• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions.

Stress Management and Hypertension

Can stress contribute to high blood pressure. Chronic stress can indeed contribute to hypertension. Implementing stress-reduction techniques can be beneficial:

• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Yoga
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Regular sleep habits

Incorporating these techniques into your daily routine can help manage stress levels and potentially lower blood pressure.

The Importance of Regular Health Check-ups

Why are regular health check-ups crucial for hypertension management. Regular check-ups allow for:

• Early detection of hypertension
• Monitoring of blood pressure trends
• Adjustment of treatment plans as needed
• Assessment of overall cardiovascular health

These check-ups provide opportunities for healthcare providers to catch potential issues early and make necessary interventions.

Hypertension in Special Populations

How does hypertension management differ for special populations. Certain groups may require specialized approaches to hypertension management:

Hypertension in Pregnancy

Pregnant women with hypertension require close monitoring due to potential risks to both mother and baby. Treatment approaches may need to be adjusted to ensure safety during pregnancy.

Hypertension in the Elderly

Older adults may have different blood pressure targets and may be more sensitive to certain medications. Treatment plans should be tailored to individual needs and consider other health conditions.

Hypertension in Children and Adolescents

While less common, hypertension can occur in younger populations. Early detection and lifestyle interventions are crucial for preventing long-term complications.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Hypertension

What new treatments are being developed for hypertension. Ongoing research is exploring innovative approaches to hypertension management:

• Renal denervation procedures
• Novel pharmacological agents
• Gene therapy approaches
• Personalized medicine based on genetic profiles

These emerging treatments hold promise for improving hypertension management, particularly for patients with resistant hypertension.

The Economic Impact of Hypertension

What is the economic burden of hypertension. Hypertension imposes a significant economic burden on healthcare systems and individuals:

• Direct medical costs for treatment and management
• Indirect costs due to lost productivity
• Long-term costs associated with complications

Effective prevention and management strategies can help reduce this economic burden and improve public health outcomes.

Global Perspectives on Hypertension

How does hypertension impact different regions globally. Hypertension is a global health issue with varying prevalence and management approaches across different regions:

• Developing countries face challenges in access to healthcare and medications
• Developed nations struggle with lifestyle-related factors contributing to hypertension
• Cultural differences influence dietary habits and treatment adherence

Understanding these global perspectives can inform more effective, culturally-sensitive approaches to hypertension management worldwide.

The Role of Technology in Hypertension Management

How is technology advancing hypertension care. Technological innovations are revolutionizing hypertension management:

• Wearable devices for continuous blood pressure monitoring
• Smartphone apps for tracking medication adherence and lifestyle factors
• Telemedicine platforms for remote consultations
• Artificial intelligence for predicting hypertension risk and complications

These technological advancements have the potential to improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, and overall outcomes in hypertension management.

8 Negative Effects of Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about one out of every three American adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension. Because high blood pressure is so common, it might be tempting to assume that it’s no big deal. But the truth is, that when left untreated, high blood pressure can put you at risk for potentially life-threatening complications.

Here are eight ways that uncontrolled high blood pressure can negatively affect your health:

1. It raises your risk of heart attack and stroke.
   High blood pressure damages the walls of your arteries. This makes them more likely to develop deposits of plaque that harden, narrow or block your arteries. These deposits also can lead to blood clots. Blood clots can flow through your bloodstream and block blood flow to your heart or brain, resulting in a heart attack or stroke.
2. It makes you more likely to develop heart failure.
   When your arteries are hardened or narrowed, your heart has to work harder to circulate your blood. This increased workload can cause your heart to become larger and fail to supply your organs with blood.
3. You may experience chest pain.
   Chest pain, also called angina, occurs when the heart does not get the blood it needs. When people with high blood pressure perform activities such as walking uphill, going up steps, or exercising, angina can cause pressure, squeezing, pain, or a feeling of fullness in the chest.
4. It can cause kidney damage.
   Your kidneys help your body get rid of toxins and regulate many of your body’s complex functions. High blood pressure can cause damage to the arteries around your kidneys. This can reduce their ability to do their job and, at worst, lead to kidney failure.
5. You are more likely to develop vision problems.
   Your eyes are full of small blood vessels that can easily be strained or damaged by high blood pressure. It also can cause swelling of your optic nerve. Lowering your blood pressure sometimes can reverse vision problems. But high blood pressure left untreated can cause permanent vision loss or impairment.
6. You could develop sexual dysfunction.
   High blood pressure can cause low libido in women and erectile dysfunction in men.
7. It raises your risk for peripheral artery disease (PAD).
   PAD occurs when the arteries in your legs, arms, stomach, or head become narrowed and cause pain, cramping, and fatigue. If you have PAD, you also are at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
8. You have a higher risk of hypertensive crisis.
   A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency that causes your blood pressure to rise above 180/120 rapidly. If your blood pressure gets too high, it can cause damage to your organs and other potentially life-threatening complications. Symptoms of a hypertensive crisis include:
   • Blurry vision or other vision problems
   • Dizziness
   • Lightheadedness
   • Severe headaches
   • Nosebleed
   • Shortness of breath
   • Chest discomfort or pain
   • A feeling of anxiety or that something is not right

If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 or visit the nearest hospital emergency department right away.

Protecting Your Cardiovascular Health

The good news is that your doctor can identify high blood pressure with regular checks. If found, it can be successfully treated using a combination of medication and heart-healthy lifestyle changes—or sometimes, lifestyle changes alone.

Making small changes to your habits, such as eating a lower sodium diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and quitting smoking can lower your blood pressure by 10-20 mmHg or more. And, if your doctor has prescribed blood pressure medication, it is important that you take it as directed.

Taking high blood pressure seriously and following your doctor’s treatment instructions can lower your risks of serious complications and make a big difference in your overall health.

If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or think you might be at risk, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider today.

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High Blood Pressure – Best Way To Lower Blood Pressure

Related Topics

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood as it flows through the arteries in your body. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. When your heart beats, it pushes blood through your arteries. As the blood flows, it puts pressure on your artery walls. This is called blood pressure.

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) happens when your blood moves through your arteries at a higher pressure than normal. Many different things can cause high blood pressure. If your blood pressure gets too high or stays high for a long time, it can cause health problems. Uncontrolled high blood pressure puts you at a higher risk for stroke, heart disease, heart attack, and kidney failure.

There are 2 types of high blood pressure.

Primary hypertension. This is also called essential hypertension. It is called this when there is no known cause for your high blood pressure. This is the most common type of hypertension. This type of blood pressure usually takes many years to develop. It probably is a result of your lifestyle, environment, and how your body changes as you age.

Secondary hypertension. This is when a health problem or medicine is causing your high blood pressure. Things that can cause secondary hypertension include:

• Kidney problems
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid or adrenal gland problems
• Some medicines

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

Most people who have high blood pressure do not have symptoms. This is why it’s sometimes called “the silent killer.” It is very important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Some people experience headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath with high blood pressure. However, those symptoms can mimic many other things (serious or non-serious). Usually, these symptoms occur once blood pressure has reached a dangerously high level over a period of time.

What causes high blood pressure?

Food, medicine, lifestyle, age, and genetics can cause high blood pressure. Your doctor can help you find out what might be causing yours. Common factors that can lead to high blood pressure include:

• A diet high in salt, fat, and/or cholesterol
• Chronic conditions such as kidney and hormone problems, diabetes, and high cholesterol
• Family history, especially if your parents or other close relatives have high blood pressure
• Lack of physical activity
• Older age (the older you are, the more likely you are to have high blood pressure)
• Being overweight or obese
• Race (non-Hispanic black people are more likely to have high blood pressure than people of other races)
• Some birth control medicines and other medicines
• Stress
• Tobacco use or drinking too much alcohol

How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

High blood pressure is diagnosed with a blood pressure monitor. This is a common test for all doctor visits. A nurse will place a band (cuff) around your arm. The band is attached to a small pump and a meter. They will squeeze the pump. It will feel tight around your arm. Then they will stop and watch the meter. This provides the nurse with 2 numbers that make up your blood pressure. The top number is your systolic reading (the peak blood pressure when your heart is squeezing blood out). The bottom number is your diastolic reading (the pressure when your heart is filling with blood­). You may also hear the doctor or nurse say a blood pressure is “120 over 80.”

• Normal blood pressure is less than 120 on top and less than 80 on the bottom.
• Prehypertension levels are 120-139 on top and 80-89 on the bottom.
• High blood pressure, stage 1 is 140-159 on top and 90-99 on the bottom.
• High blood pressure, stage 2 is 160 or higher on top and 100 and over on the bottom.

The higher your blood pressure is, the more often you need to have it checked. After age 18, have your blood pressure checked at least once every two years. Do it more often if you have had high blood pressure in the past.

Can high blood pressure be prevented or avoided?

If your high blood pressure is caused by lifestyle factors, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

• Lose weight
• Stop smoking
• Eat properly
• Exercise
• Lower your salt intake
• Reduce your alcohol consumption
• Learn relaxation methods

If your high blood pressure is caused by disease or the medicine you take, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a different medicine. Additionally, treating any underlying disease (such as controlling your diabetes) can help reduce your high blood pressure.

High blood pressure treatment

The best way to lower blood pressure begins with changes you can make to your lifestyle to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe medicine to lower your blood pressure. These are called antihypertensive medicines.

The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure to normal levels. If changes to your lifestyle aren’t enough to reduce your blood pressure to a normal level, your doctor will prescribe medicine. Medicine for treatment is often highly successful. If your blood pressure can only be controlled with medicine, you’ll likely need to take the medicine for the rest of your life. It is common to need more than one medicine to help control your blood pressure. Don’t stop taking the medicine without talking with your doctor. Otherwise, you may increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

Living with high blood pressure

Controlling your high blood pressure is a lifelong commitment. You will always need to monitor your weight, make healthy food choices, exercise, learn to cope with stress, avoid smoking, and limit your alcohol intake. If you need medicine to control your high blood pressure, you will likely need it all your life.

Additionally, you will need to get used to regular blood pressure checks. Your doctor may want you to come to the office regularly. Or you may be asked to check your blood pressure at home and keep track of your numbers for your doctor. Some pharmacies and retail clinics have blood pressure machines on site. You can buy your own, automated arm blood pressure cuff for use at home. Your doctor may want you to check your blood pressure several times a day. Another option is to use an ambulatory (wear as you are moving about) blood pressure monitor.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Can children have high blood pressure?
• How much salt is too much salt?
• What are hidden sources of salt?
• Can second-hand smoke lead to high blood pressure?

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: High Blood Pressure

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: High Blood Pressure

Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Article Hypertension is dangerous if not treated at Virmed polyclinics

Hypertension is one of the most common diseases in the world, and partly this is where the danger lies. But, despite the fact that modern medicine has stepped far forward in the treatment of this disease, many in the old fashioned way try to bring down the pressure corny by self-medicating.

Anna Usacheva, a cardiologist and doctor of functional diagnostics, tells why this should not be done:

Everyone talks about stress today, but not everyone thinks about what it can threaten. Meanwhile, stress is always accompanied by the release of the hormone cortisol, which constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure. Sometimes the patient says: “I can easily tolerate high blood pressure. After work, I’ll lie down and everything will be fine.” But high blood pressure cannot be carried on the legs, nor can one self-medicate! You should not make allowances for age and think that if a person is young, then he is not threatened with hypertension. From constant stress, a hypertensive crisis can occur even at the age of 30 years. And, unfortunately, such cases are recorded more and more often.

The brain inevitably suffers from hypertension. Deterioration of memory, attention, absent-mindedness – including the consequences of neglected hypertension. The heart also suffers, its rhythm is disturbed, shortness of breath appears. But there is a risk of much more serious consequences: a stroke or a heart attack.

Reducing the pressure yourself is also very risky. With a rapid drop in blood pressure, the body immediately launches the mechanisms for its increase, which provokes a hypertensive crisis. The arteries expand, the vessels and the heart are in excessive tension and experience oxygen starvation. The risk of ischemia, stroke and heart attack increases several times.

The wrong dosage of the medicine, chosen independently, can be a fatal mistake. That is why it is necessary to reduce pressure only under the supervision of a doctor. Modern drugs allow a complex effect on the body and minimize the consequences. But they need to be taken competently, knowing the full clinical picture.

Just lowering the pressure is not enough. Hypertension must be treated, and systemically. Its consequences affect not only the cardiovascular system, but also the kidneys, digestive and even immune systems. That is why the doctor, before choosing a treatment, must conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient.

Self-medication is not worth it, but you need to be attentive to your health. It is enough for some time twice a day – in the morning and in the evening – to change the pressure and record the readings. If it regularly exceeds normal levels (120 (110) / 80), this is a signal to see a doctor.

Today, there are practically no incurable diseases, but there are advanced stages. Therefore, the sooner you seek help, the easier it will be to get rid of the disease.

The heart is a key organ that is vital for a person. The more we know about our body, the faster we can feel healthy again.

You can undergo a comprehensive examination using modern equipment and learn everything about the health of your heart and blood vessels in Tula at the Virmed clinic.

How dangerous is hypertension – Dr. Vertebrov

The optimal blood pressure is considered to be within 120/80 mm Hg. Art. If these indicators change, the person feels bad. But increased pressure is not a harmless condition at all. Hypertension can lead to very serious complications, up to death, so it is very important to prevent the disease than to be afraid of its consequences. But arterial hypertension is called the “silent killer”, and all because the increase in blood pressure in our vessels does not cause pain at all. This is why it is dangerous: complications affect the brain, kidneys, heart, and even vision.

Arterial hypertension (or essential hypertension) is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. In Russia, every 3rd adult is diagnosed with high blood pressure. You can talk about the disease if the pressure indicators begin to exceed 140/90 mm Hg. Art.

Degrees of hypertension

The classification of the disease includes the division of hypertension into degrees, which indicate the pressure numbers on the tonometer. Determination of the degree is important for the appointment of correct treatment and effective normalization of blood pressure readings. So, for the I degree, the numbers 140-159 are characteristic/90-99 mmHg Art., for II – 160-179/100 and more, and for III degree – above 180/110

Risk of disease

Increased pressure negatively affects the walls of blood vessels. Healthy arteries are elastic and flexible, their inner walls are smooth, so the blood flows freely, supplying oxygen to the cells. But with hypertension, high blood pressure damages blood vessels, causing them to weaken. This leads to a bulge in the wall of the artery – an aneurysm. Aneurysms are dangerous because they can rupture at any time and cause bleeding, which is often fatal.

Left untreated, hypertension can lead to other complications:

• Stiffening of the arteries and narrowing of their lumen. This is a direct path to heart attack and stroke.
• Heart failure. Due to high loads, the muscles of the heart weaken and are not able to pump blood efficiently.
• Enlargement of the heart due to thickening of the left ventricle. This greatly increases the risk of heart attack and other disorders.
• Kidney damage. Due to damaged blood vessels, the kidneys become unable to filter the blood effectively, as a result of which toxins begin to accumulate in them. This is how kidney failure develops.
• Stroke. The narrowing of the lumen of the vessels and the formation of blood clots in them can cause an acute violation of cerebral circulation.
• Severe deterioration or complete loss of vision. Due to high pressure, the small blood vessels that supply blood to the eyes suffer.