Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is on the rise, according to an article by Dr. Aram V. Chobanian in the Dec. 4, 2008, issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine." The condition affects roughly 73 million adults in the U.S. and 1 billion worldwide. Hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, both leading causes of death in the U.S. Hypertension is more common in older people, African Americans and those with a family history of high blood pressure. In addition, being overweight, not being physically active, smoking, drinking too much alcohol and eating a high-salt, low-potassium diet are all associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension.
Coronary Heart Disease
High blood pressure damages the walls of blood vessels. When the damaged walls come in contact with circulating fat from the diet, a buildup of plaque can cause hardening and narrowing of the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. Coronary heart disease occurs when the blood vessels of the heart, or coronary arteries, become narrowed from the plaque buildup. When the coronary arteries become significantly narrowed, angina, a type of chest pain caused by poor blood supply to the heart, may occur. If the plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form on the surface, leading to complete blockage of the artery and causing a heart attack.
Stroke
The coronary arteries are not the only vessels hypertension affects. The blood vessels that feed the brain, the carotid arteries, are also vulnerable to the effects of hypertension. Significant reduction of blood flow to the brain from atherosclerosis may lead to a stroke.
Heart Failure
High blood pressure may produce heart complications. In the face of increased pressure in the blood vessels, the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. Initially, the heart muscle may enlarge in an attempt to overcome the resistance. However, the compensation is temporary, and eventually the heart muscle can no longer pump effectively against the higher pressures in the arteries, which leads to heart failure.
Aneurysm
Under high pressure, a blood vessel, especially one already affected by atherosclerosis, can weaken and bulge, forming an aneurysm. Rupture of the aneurysm is a life-threatening complication. The aorta, the body's largest artery, is one of the most common sites of aneurysms.
Other Organs
Exposure to high pressure may damage and thicken smaller arteries, or arterioles, a condition called arteriosclerosis. The kidneys, which are responsible for detoxifying the blood and producing urine, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of arteriosclerosis. Chronic hypertension may lead to kidney disease and possibly kidney failure. The blood vessels in the eyes also are vulnerable to arteriosclerosis. Persistently high pressures may lead to narrowing or bleeding of the vessels and vision may be permanently affected.
References
- "New England Journal of Medicine"; Does It Matter How Hypertension Is Controlled?; Aram V. Chobanian; Dec. 2008
- Mayo Clinic: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Complications
- American Heart Association: High Blood Pressure: Why Blood Pressure Matters
