Hypertension affects up to 50% of American adults.
Blood pressure is the force of blood in the arteries.Too much force leads to injured and weakened blood vessels.
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CVD is a leading cause of death in the United States.
Hypertension can affect the heart in the following ways:
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Strokes can cause severe brain damage and are fatal in some instances.
This is because the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen or vital nutrients.Stroke damage is sometimes permanent.
Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of an artery.
Aortic aneurysms occur in the large artery that carries blood from the heart to much of the body.
A cerebral aneurysm occurs in the arteries of the brain, causing a stroke if it ruptures.
When the kidneys are damaged, it is harder for them to remove waste and fluid from the body.
Fluid that the body cannot get rid of can raise blood pressure and lead to health problems.
PAD can lead to life-threatening infections and amputation.
Vision Impairment
Hypertension can damage blood vessels anywhere in the body, including the eyes.
Who Is at Risk for Hypertension Complications?
Various risk factors increase the risk of hypertension and complications related to the condition.
However, home monitoring does not replace regular healthcare provider visits.
Work With a Healthcare Provider
Managing your blood pressure starts with working with your healthcare provider.
They may also prescribe medications.
Your provider can also help you manage health conditions affecting blood pressure.
Awareness of the signs and symptoms of heart disease is vital.
Discuss your specific risk factors with your healthcare provider and what you could do to manage them.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can help you to manage your blood pressure levels.
There are many different classes ofblood pressure medicinesfor managing this.
Blood pressure medications work to:
Take your blood pressure medications as prescribed.
Do not stop taking them without talking to your healthcare provider.
When to See a Provider
Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to symptoms that can affect you daily.
Summary
High blood pressure can lead to serious complications if you do not manage it properly.
Dangers of hypertension include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision impairment, and cognitive problems.
Work with your healthcare provider to manage your blood pressure numbers and reduce complications.
Blood pressure management requires monitoring levels, lifestyle changes, and sometimes, medication.
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American Heart Association.Know your risk factors for high blood pressure.
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