The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about one in three adults in the United States suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure. High blood pressure is so common that it’s easy to think it’s no big deal. But the truth is that if you don’t treat your high blood pressure, you could be at risk for potentially life-threatening complications. If you are from Texas and suffering from high blood pressure visit Texas Specialty Clinic for quality treatment and a proper diagnosis of your condition, call 469-225-0666 to book an appointment.
Here are eight ways uncontrolled high blood pressure can harm your health.
It increases the problem of heart attack and stroke
High blood pressure damages the walls of arteries. This makes it more likely that plaque will build up that hardens, narrows, or blocks arteries. These deposits can also cause blood clots. Blood clots can travel through the bloodstream and block blood flow to the heart and brain, causing a heart attack or stroke.
More likely to develop heart failure
When the arteries become stiff or narrow, the heart has to do more work to keep the blood circulating. This increased workload can cause the heart to enlarge and stop supplying blood to organs.
Chest pain may occur
Chest pain, also called angina pectoris, occurs when the heart cannot get the blood it needs. Angina pectoris can cause chest tightness, bruising, pain, or fullness when people with high blood pressure walk up hills, climb stairs, or play sports.
May cause kidney damage
Kidneys help the body remove toxins and regulate many of the body’s complex functions. High blood pressure can badly affect the arteries near the kidneys. This limits their ability to work and, in the worst cases, can lead to kidney failure.
You are at higher risk of suffering from vision problems
Your eyes are full of small blood vessels which can easily become overstrained or damaged because of high blood pressure. It can also lead to swelling of the optic nerve. Lowering blood pressure may reverse vision problems. However, if high blood pressure is neglected it can lead to permanent loss or impairment of vision.
You may develop sexual dysfunction
High blood pressure can result in low libido in women and can lead to erectile dysfunction in men.
Increases risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
PAD occurs when the arteries in your legs, arms, stomach, or head narrow, causing pain, cramps, and fatigue. People with PAD also have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Increased risk of hypertensive crisis
A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency in which blood pressure rapidly exceeds 180/120. Too high blood pressure can damage organs and cause other potentially life-threatening complications. Symptoms of a hypertensive crisis are as follows :
- Blurred vision or other vision problems
- Dizzy
- Sleepiness
- Severe headache
- Nosebleed
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Feeling scared or something is wrong
If you have any of these symptoms, call 469-225-0666 immediately or go to Texas Specialty Clinic for a speedy recovery.