How hypertension harms long-term health

All of us are well aware of the importance of keeping our blood pressure under control.  But do you know exactly why?  Most people would guess a healthy blood pressure lowers risk for heart disease which is true.  However, your heart is not the only organ affected by high blood pressure. 

Hypertension or high blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” and for good reason.  High blood pressure readings can quietly damage your body for years before symptoms develop.  It left uncontrolled or undiagnosed, you could wind up with a disability and a poor quality of life.  Almost half of people with untreated hypertension will die of heart disease related to poor blood flow and many others will die of stroke.

Keeping high blood pressure under control significantly reduces your risk of life-threatening complications.  Here’s a look at the complications high blood pressure can cause when it’s not effectively controlled:

·      Damage to arteries

In order for your blood to flow freely from your lungs and heart, unobstructed arteries are best. This allows life-giving oxygen and blood to be pumped throughout your body to your organs and other tissues.  Arteries that are pliable, strong and smooth allow this to occur.  But high blood pressure places too much pressure on the walls of your arteries, causing damage along the inside causing fat or “plaque” to collect and buildup.  The more plaque buildup, the stiffer and more narrow your arteries become which results in poor blood and oxygen flow.

·      Increased risk of an aneurysm

An aneurysm occurs when part of an artery wall weakens, allowing it to widen abnormally or balloon out.  They can occur anywhere in the body but are most common in the major artery from the heart, also the brain, behind the knee, in the intestine, and in the spleen.

If the aneurysm bursts, this will cause massive bleeding into your body and has a high risk of sudden death.  High blood pressure is often one of the culprits that can cause this situation to occur.

·      Increases coronary artery disease

Anytime plaque buildup happens in the arteries near your heart, coronary artery disease can develop.  This will slow blood flow which can cause chest pain or arrhythmia which is an improper beating of the heart, whether irregular, too fast, or too slow.  If there is a total blockage, this can trigger a heart attack.

·      Increased risk of a heart attack

Significant plaque buildup or if a large piece of plaque breaks loose and completely blocks an artery leading to the heart, it can cause a heart attack.  A heart attack blocks the heart muscle of oxygen and nutrients which can cause damage or lead to death.  Symptoms of a heart attack could be pressure or pain in your chest, but sometimes the pain could be in your arm, neck, or jaw.  Other symptoms could include difficulty in breathing, feeling dizzy or nauseated.

·      Peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease or PAD, affect the blood vessels that are farther from your heart, such as those in your arms, legs, head, or stomach.  Symptoms might include pain or cramps in your legs upon walking or climbing stairs or feeling extra tired.  Usually the pain goes away when you are resting but returns when you move.  If PAD is left untreated, it can lead to serious problems such as stroke, ulcers, and loss of circulation in your legs which could lead to amputations.

·      Heart failure

It is common for arteries to narrow when you have had hypertension for a long time.  Narrowing of the arteries causes your heart to work harder and to become weaker.  The weaker it becomes, it will eventually be unable to supply enough blood to the rest of the body which is heart failure.

·      Enlarged heart

Having narrowed arteries due to plaque buildup make it hard for blood to flow through easily.  Because of this, your heart must work very hard to push blood flow through but as a result of that extra work, your heart will enlarge.  The bigger it gets, the less able it is able to do its job of delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues of your body.

·      Stroke

The leading cause of stroke is high blood pressure.  There are two types of stroke: one is hemorrhagic which is when a weakened artery bursts in the brain; the second is ischemic which a clump, or “clot” of plaque comes loose and blocks blood flow to brain cells.  Once blood flow is blocked off, part of your brain will begin to die.  For symptoms of a stroke, remember the acronym FAST – Face drooping, arm weakness, speech problems, time to call 911.  The sooner a stroke victim receives help, the greater chance of recovery.

·      Dementia

When arteries leading to the brain become clogged with plaque, this will slow the flow of blood and can cause changes in the way your brain works.  This is called “vascular dementia.”  This type of dementia can affect how well you think, speak, and remember.

·      Kidney failure

The second leading cause of kidney failure is high blood pressure and is one of the main reasons that can lead to requiring kidney dialysis.  High blood pressure narrows and hardens the vessels of your kidneys that are necessary to help remove waste and extra fluid.  When filters called nephrons in the kidney are damaged, this can cause complete kidney failure.

·      Eye problems

Even your eyes can be affected by years of high blood pressure as it can slow down blood flow to the retina.  It can also slow blood travel to the optic nerve.  Both can lead to blurry vision or even blindness. 

·      Erectile dysfunction for men

In order for a man to achieve a firm erection, good blood flow is needed.  But having high blood pressure can slow down blood flow anywhere in the body including to the penis.  Any man experiencing erectile dysfunction should have his blood pressure checked to rule out related health issues.

·      Sexual problems for women

Even women can be affected sexually by high blood pressure.  Less blood flow to the vagina can lead to less arousal making it harder to reach orgasm.  It can also lead to excessive tiredness, putting the brakes on your sex life.