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Long Reaching Effects of High Blood Pressure

Hypertension aka high blood pressure has often been labeled a silent killer and the name is quite apt. Millions of people every year go about their daily routines not knowing that they are essentially a ticking time bomb. Many people won't experience any known side effects for years until some part of their body, like a vital organ is damaged. If left unchecked, the effects of high blood pressure can be quite serious and irreversible.

Effects of High Blood Pressure on the Heart

A heart attack is among the most common effects of high blood pressure and the most feared. Your arteries are responsible for carrying oxygenated blood to the heart and the rest of your body. When your heart is lacking oxygen, you experience angina (chest pain) which is a major red flag that is something is wrong such as blocked or hardened arteries. If you ignore those chest pains for too long, you could experience congestive heart failure.

Effects of High Blood Pressure on the Heart

Kidneys work to filter the various wastes and help your body get rid of them. However, what happens when that capability is diminished? Due to the effects of high blood pressure, your blood vessels in the kidneys can thicken and constrict over time. When this happens, your kidneys filter less waste which then builds up in your blood, eventually causing kidney failure. This is a huge problem for diabetics with hypertension especially. Kidney dialysis or even transplant may be necessary.

Effects of High Blood Pressure on the Eyes

The blood vessels in your eyes are small and fragile and highly susceptible to the effects of high blood pressure. Retinopathy is the result of damaged blood vessels in the retina which can lead to vessel blockage or even leakage. In addition, the optic nerve could swell causing distorted or total loss of vision. Nerve damage and fluid build-up are two more effects of high blood pressure on the eyes and can permanently hinder vision as well.

Effects of High Blood Pressure on the Brain

Stroke is the leading cause of problems in the brain due to high blood pressure. A blood vessel could burst due to high blood pressure and bleed into the brain. In addition, if a blood vessel is blocked by a blood clot in a narrow or constricted artery, a stroke could also result.

Effects of High Blood Pressure on the Arteries

Healthy arteries are supple and have flexibility which allows blood to flow freely carrying that essential oxygen to all parts of the body. However, with the effects of high blood pressure, the arterial walls start to harden or accumulate fatty deposits causing arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. An aneurysm can also result if a bulge forms on a weakened artery. If the aneurysm ruptures, it could be life-threatening.

As you can see, high blood pressure is scary business and affects more than just your heart. The effects of high blood pressure are far-reaching and your entire body is affected in some form or fashion. Unless you have regular physicals with blood pressure readings taken, you may never know until it is too late that you have a problem with hypertension.

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