What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure (hypertension) means that the pressure in the body's arteries is higher than what is defined as normal. High blood pressure is not considered a disease in itself but is a stressful factor for heart and puts you at risk for developing stroke and heart attack.
Blood pressure is indicated by two numbers separated by a slash. Over pressure is the pressure within the arteries (the arteries) when the heart contracts (systolic pressure). Under pressure is the pressure within the aorta between heartbeats (diastolic pressure). A blood pressure of 150/90 means that the pressure is 150 on the highest and 90 the lowest.
High blood pressure usually produces no symptoms. At very high pressures, which is rare, the possibility of experiencing dizziness and headaches.
What happens to the body by high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a strain upon the heart and vascular system, with many harmful effects.
High blood pressure is a strain upon the heart and vascular system, with many harmful effects. Heart, kidneys, lungs and brain are among the organs that could harm (complications) due to hypertension. The harmful effect of hypertension is closely related to how high the pressure is.
It is the heart that must create the high pressure by pulling sharply along with every heartbeat. This will be a huge extra work, which over time can cause an enlarged heart. As the heart grows, the function is poorer and poorer. Finally, it may cause heart failure, a condition in which the heart fails to pump enough blood to the body. The blood accumulates in the lungs, resulting in water into the lungs and shortness of breath (heart failure).
Persistent high pressure in blood vessels in itself damage to men's walls. In addition, high blood pressure, a major cause of calcium deposits (atherosclerosis) in blood vessels. Atherosclerosis provide narrowing of blood vessels and reduced blood flow. This can cause a heart attack. Hypertension also increases the risk of stroke.
Hypertension and atherosclerosis can also cause damage in the kidneys. Such kidney damage can sometimes cause kidney failure, a serious condition that requires intensive treatment or transplant.
What affects the risk of complications from high blood pressure?
Usually the severity of the damage is closely associated with the amount of elevated blood pressure. However, there are a number of other factors that may precipitate or prevent the harmful effects of hypertension.
Lifestyle has a significant impact. People who smoke, drive little exercise is overweight and have an unhealthy diet, are much more prone to complications than those who exercise regularly, normal weight, not smoking and eating lots of fruits and vegetables. It is thus important things you can do something to reduce the risk.
Men have a higher risk than women, and if there is a lot of cardiovascular disease on the family; the risk is increased. High cholesterol or diabetes also increases the risk of complications.
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