Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it can cause irreversible health damage before you experience any noticeable symptoms.
Dr. Kadie E. Leach is our internal medicine specialist, and she offers adults in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area quality primary care for chronic and acute illnesses. Dr. Leach is a strong advocate for stopping debilitating diseases through early detection and preventive strategies that maintain good health.
Learn more from Dr. Leach about the dangers of hypertension and tips for avoiding its impact on your well-being.
At its core, hypertension (elevated blood pressure) occurs when the force of blood flowing against artery walls is too high. Over time, this excessive pressure damages arteries and the organs they fuel, including the heart, eyes, kidneys, and brain.
Although long-term hypertension can cause significant organ damage, it has few symptoms during its earliest stages. Many people are unaware that their blood pressure is high until they experience a severe health complication.
Fortunately, monitoring your blood pressure is simple and painless, making it easy to spot and treat before the damage is irreversible.
Your body relies on your arteries to deliver a healthy flow of oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to organs and other tissue structures 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The arterial damage that hypertension causes disrupts blood flow, leading to widespread damage that may result in:
Hypertension causes hardening and thickening of the arteries, leading to coronary artery disease. This can culminate in heart attacks or heart failure.
High blood pressure weakens artery walls, making them more susceptible to blockages or ruptures. A stroke can occur if a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked (ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke or brain bleed).
The kidneys filter waste from the blood. Poorly managed hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to function correctly, eventually requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant to prevent renal failure and death.
Hypertension can damage the blood vessels of the eyes, potentially damaging the retina and other sensitive structures within the eye. This may cause fluid buildup, retinopathy, and optic nerve damage, leading to full or partial vision loss.
Constant pressure from hypertension can cause blood vessels to weaken and bulge, forming an aneurysm at risk of leaking or rupturing. Depending on its location, a ruptured aneurysm can quickly become life-threatening.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of disorders that affect the body's metabolism. Symptoms and contributing factors include increased waist circumference, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, and abnormal insulin levels. Metabolic syndrome is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Over time, high blood pressure may affect cognitive functions, leading to memory, comprehension, and learning issues.
Dr. Leach takes a holistic approach to health care that focuses on prevention while offering the most effective treatment options for chronic conditions like hypertension.
One of the best ways to prevent or treat hypertension before it does damage is to undergo routine health exams that include blood pressure checks. This allows Dr. Leach to note concerning trends before they become problematic.
Otherwise, your customized hypertension prevention or treatment strategy may include the following:
Don’t let hypertension endanger your health. Schedule a visit with Dr. Leach today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.
