Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a silent threat that affects more than one billion people worldwide. Because it rarely presents any symptoms, this potentially deadly condition often goes unnoticed.
Early detection and preventative care are crucial for controlling hypertension. The team at Shah Medical Center, led by Heena Shyamani, MD, offers convenient in-office blood pressure screening and comprehensive treatment plans to help you manage hypertension and live a healthier life.
Here, we delve into the dangers of hypertension and explore natural strategies to start lowering your blood pressure at home.
Chronic high blood pressure puts extra strain on your arteries, the vessels that carry nutrients and oxygen from your heart to every part of your body. Over time, the constant pressure from hypertension can damage the artery walls, making them thicker, weaker, and less flexible.
As your arteries stiffen, your heart needs to work harder to pump blood through them. This can cause complications related to heart disease, such as chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, and heart failure. Uncontrolled hypertension can also lead to:
An aneurysm occurs when a weakened section of the artery wall bulges outward, forming a balloon-like sac. As the aneurysm grows larger, it becomes increasingly fragile and susceptible to rupture. A ruptured aneurysm can result in severe, often fatal, internal bleeding.
The damage from hypertension makes it easier for cholesterol and other substances to accumulate in the arteries, forming plaque. As plaque builds up, your arteries narrow and harden, restricting blood flow to essential organs like your brain, heart, and kidneys.
A complete blockage can have devastating consequences, including a heart attack, stroke, or tissue death in your legs or other extremities.
High blood pressure can damage the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys, hindering their ability to filter waste products and excess fluid from the bloodstream. Without intervention, impaired kidney function can lead to kidney failure, which may require dialysis or a transplant to treat.
Your eyes contain a network of tiny blood vessels vulnerable to the harmful effects of hypertension. A lack of blood flow to the retina, known as hypertensive retinopathy, may result in blurry vision or blindness. Nerve damage and fluid buildup from high blood pressure can also contribute to vision loss.
In some cases, narrowed arteries can restrict the blood flow to your brain. While it may not be a large enough blockage to trigger a stroke, the reduced oxygen supply can damage brain tissue.
The cognitive effects of vascular dementia range from mild to severe impairment. Depending on the specific areas of the brain deprived of blood, this can manifest as memory problems, difficulty with language comprehension, impaired concentration or balance, and even changes in mood or personality.
Simple, healthy lifestyle changes can make a big difference when it comes to hypertension. Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking or swimming, can lower your blood pressure by strengthening your heart and improving circulation.
Adopting a heart-healthy diet is key — focus on fruits, veggies, and whole grains, while limiting sodium and saturated fat. Potassium-rich foods such as bananas and avocados can be especially beneficial.
Depending on your individual needs, our team may also recommend medication to help manage your hypertension effectively. With regular follow-up visits, we can monitor your blood pressure closely and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan to ensure your long-term health and wellness.
Worried about the dangerous effects of hypertension? Schedule an appointment for a blood pressure screening with the team at Shah Medical Group in Elgin, Illinois, today.
