The Dangers of Hypertension

High blood pressure can have a major impact on your health, yet the condition often causes no noticeable symptoms. Having your blood pressure checked regularly is the only way to know if you’re in the danger zone. 

Striving to provide the best internal medicine in Tarzana, California, Samuel I. Fink, MD, recognizes the urgency of addressing and managing hypertension. Dr. Fink and his team help patients get their blood pressure under control to minimize health risks. 

Here’s what you need to know about how hypertension threatens your overall health.

Unraveling hypertension

Hypertension occurs when the force of blood against arterial walls is consistently too high. This increased pressure can damage your arteries, leading to a plethora of health issues over time. While various factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle, play a role in developing hypertension, it's the long-term effects that demand immediate attention.

The silent health hazards

While hypertension might sound like a singular health issue, its ripple effects are vast and varied. Beyond the direct impact on blood pressure, hypertension casts a wide net, ensnaring various other aspects of health. The following are just some of the dangers of hypertension.

Heart attack and stroke

High blood pressure can cause hardening and thickening of your arteries, leading to their narrowing over time. This narrowing restricts blood flow, increasing the likelihood of blockages, potentially culminating in heart attacks or strokes.

Kidney damage

Your kidneys filter out waste and excess fluids from your blood. Hypertension can damage the blood vessels of the kidneys, reducing their ability to function effectively. Over time, this can lead to kidney failure.

Vision loss

The blood vessels in your eyes can become damaged due to prolonged hypertension. This can result in blurred or impaired vision or even total vision loss.

Memory and understanding

Cognitive abilities can take a hit with uncontrolled high blood pressure. Hypertension affects your ability to think, remember, and learn. Over time, this can lead to significant cognitive decline.

Managing hypertension

Awareness is the first step in managing high blood pressure. Regular checkups can help in early detection and timely intervention. Dr. Fink emphasizes the importance of:

Regular monitoring

Keeping track of your blood pressure, especially if you're at risk, is crucial. Regularly monitoring your numbers can help in the early detection of any irregularities.

Lifestyle modifications

Simple changes like a balanced diet, reduced salt intake, regular exercise, and stress management can go a long way in managing hypertension.

Medication

For some, lifestyle changes might not be enough. In such cases, medication can help regulate blood pressure. However, it's essential to consult with a health care professional before starting any medication.

Take care of your heart and circulatory system

The silent nature of hypertension makes it particularly dangerous, but with knowledge and proactive management, you can minimize its impact. Dr. Fink and his dedicated team are committed to guiding you on this health journey, offering expert advice and comprehensive care solutions. 

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can have a detrimental impact on your health. If you or a loved one is concerned about hypertension, don't leave it to chance. Schedule a visit today and discuss how we can work together to ensure your heart continues to play its life-affirming melody without missing a beat.