The heart pumps blood to all parts of the body through the aorta and arteries. When blood travels through the arteries, it pushes against the walls of the arteries. The force blood exerts on the arterial walls is called blood pressure. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when there is a sustained increase in the force exerted on the walls of the arteries. One consequence of hypertension is atherosclerosis.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for hypertension may be classified as modifiable and non-modifiable. Modifiable risk factors can be changed while non-modifiable risk factors cannot be altered in any way. African-American race, positive family history of heart disease, gender and age are non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension. Modifiable risk factors for hypertension include diet, medical conditions, obesity, inactivity and smoking. Modifiable risk factors can be controlled, reduced, stopped or changed in one way or the other.
Hypertension and the Arteries
The Mayo Clinic states that healthy arteries are normally flexible, stretchable and strong. They can also stretch to accommodate high or low volumes of blood. In hypertension, the arteries are subjected to high amounts of force as blood moves through them. This force can cause the arteries to become overstretched and weak in certain spots and can also lead to balloon-like bulges in weakened areas of the arterial wall. In addition to overstretching, little tears can also develop in the arteries, forming scars when they heal.
Atherosclerosis and Hypertension
Atherosclerosis can be caused by various factors, including hypertension. Atherosclerosis causes the arteries to become hard and narrow as a result of plaque accumulation on the walls of the arteries. Plaque is a hard substance that is made of cholesterol, fatty materials and other items found in the body. The scars that form on the walls of the arteries due to hypertension act as nets and trap materials that eventually form plaque.
Effects of Atheroclerosis
All the organs in the body need oxygen-rich blood to function. In atherosclerosis, the narrow blood vessels restrict blood flow. This leads to a reduction in the supply of oxygen-rich blood the organs. Blood supply can also be entirely cut off when plaque completely blocks an artery. A stroke, heart attack, heart failure or peripheral artery disease are all possible effects of atherosclerosis.
Prevention/Solution
According to the American Heart Association, hypertension can be reduced or prevented by implementing certain lifestyle changes. Although hypertension risk factors like race, gender and age cannot be changed, other factors can be modified to reduce the risk of developing hypertension. Being physically active, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress can all lower your risk of developing high blood pressure.
