In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported high blood pressure in over 30 percent of the U.S. population. Also known as hypertension, this condition is a major risk factor for kidney disease, heart disease and stroke. The majority of cases can be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. Treating high blood pressure reduces the chance of developing life-threatening complications.
Cardiovascular Risks
High blood pressure changes the elasticity inside the blood vessels, making them less flexible. The cells lining the arteries become damaged. Over time, fats and other materials build plaque over the damaged cells, which leads to atherosclerosis. This blocks some of the blood flow to tissues throughout the body, reducing oxygen supply. The heart will pump harder to deliver a healthy blood flow, straining the heart muscle. The result can be chest pain, irregular heartbeat, a heart attack, heart failure or sudden cardiac death.
Risks to the Brain
The Mayo Clinic describes events in the brain that are caused by high blood pressure: In a person with atherosclerosis, small clots of plaque can break off, travel to the brain and block blood flow, depriving the brain of oxygen. If the clot is in a very small vessel, the incident may be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a temporary break in oxygen supply. Larger clots can block a greater oxygen flow and cause a stroke. Stroke and dementia can also result from hardening of the arteries in the brain due to hypertension. These stiffened, narrow blood vessels can clog, rupture or leak. Bleeding in the brain can be fatal. The CDC reports that blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke.
Risks to the Kidneys
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) names high blood pressure as one of the leading causes of kidney failure, causing over 25,000 new cases each year. As high blood pressure damages arteries around the body, the kidneys also receive reduced blood flow and oxygen supply. When kidneys are damaged, they signal the body to increase blood pressure further to help get rid of accumulated fluid. This cycle continues to exacerbate both hypertension and kidney disease. Once the kidneys are damaged, they can no longer effectively remove waste and fluid from the body. The treatment is then dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Risks to the Eyes
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute explains that high blood pressure can contribute to blindness. Blood vessels in the eye can bleed or burst. Vision can become blurred or impaired and blindness can occur.
