Effects of High Blood Pressure: They are Quite Serious
The effects of high blood pressure truly affect every area of the body, from head to toe. Many people think of the effects of high blood pressure on the heart only, and although that is definitely a problem, high blood pressure does still have massive effects on the rest of the body as well, and this can certainly not be forgotten.
Effects on the Brain
One of the effects of high blood pressure on the brain is that in regards to having a higher risk of stroke. In fact, high blood pressure is considered as being one of the leading indications that you are at risk to have a stroke. The blood vessels are weakened when you have high blood pressure, and if they break, they can bleed in your brain, which leads to one form of stroke.
High blood pressure can be caused by hardening of the arteries, and if the arteries become clogged and block the flow of blood to the brain, this can also cause a life-threatening stroke.
Effect on the Eyes
Yes, there are effects of high blood pressure in regards to the eyes as well. In fact, blood pressure that gets too high can cause the blood vessels that are in the eye to burst. If they do, your vision will become blurred. This condition can eventually lead to permanent blindness.
Effect on the Arteries
Effects of high blood pressure on the arteries are also highly publicized; it is natural for the arteries to harden as the body ages. Add to that high blood pressure, which leads to more hardening of the arteries, and you have a very dangerous condition. Hardened arteries make both the heart and the kidneys have to work harder, which can thus cause them to wear out. Hardened arteries can lead to heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke.
Effects on the Kidneys
One of the effects of high blood pressure is that in regards to the body eventually leading to kidney failure. The kidneys are the filters of the blood, and as high blood pressure causes the arteries to harden, it can cut off the flow of blood to the kidneys. When not enough blood flows in and out of the kidneys, waste builds up in the blood, which can lead to kidney failure.
Effects on the Heart
Heart problems are probably the most obvious effects of high blood pressure. The arteries that can harden with high blood pressure bring oxygen filled blood to the heart. Without this blood, the heart cannot get enough oxygen. The first symptom will be pain in the chest, and if the blockages are not corrected, heart attacks occur. Also, high blood pressure can lead to congestive heart failure, where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body.
|