7 Complications of High Blood Pressure

Complications of hypertension can occur when blood pressure remains consistently high, increasing the risk of damage to blood vessels. 

Uncontrolled hypertension can affect many organs, including the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, and peripheral blood vessels, such as those in the legs. This condition becomes more dangerous because hypertension often does not show recognizable symptoms in its early stages.

Some complications of hypertension that may occur include:

1. Heart Attack  

Hypertension increases the workload of the heart, which over time can impair its function. Additionally, damage to the walls of blood vessels can disrupt blood flow to the coronary arteries of the heart.

2. Stroke

Stroke is a complication of hypertension that occurs due to narrowed, blocked, or ruptured blood vessels. This disrupts the oxygenated blood flow to the brain, potentially causing damage to brain cells and tissues.

3. Kidney Disease 

Kidney function can be affected when high blood pressure strains the blood vessels in the kidneys. This condition damages the vessel walls, hindering the kidneys' ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. If hypertension is not controlled, kidney damage can progress to chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal failure.

4. Retinopathy (Retinal Damage)

Hypertension can damage blood vessels in the eyes, leading to retinopathy or retinal damage. This may cause retinal bleeding, fluid buildup, and impaired vision.

5. Aneurysm

Over time, high blood pressure can weaken the walls of blood vessels, increasing the risk of aneurysm. An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge or swelling in the blood vessel wall. If it ruptures, it can result in life-threatening bleeding.

6. Dementia

Hypertension increases the risk of dementia. Long-term damage to the brain's blood vessels can cause them to become stiff and narrow, reducing the flow of oxygen and nutrients essential for brain function. This damage may impair brain function and trigger structural changes, such as reduced brain volume and plaque formation, which can lead to cognitive, memory, and mental function disorders.

7. Peripheral Artery Disease

Hypertension that causes narrowing in the arteries can lead to peripheral artery disease. Symptoms may include cramping in the thigh and calf muscles, numbness in the legs, and, in severe cases, pain even at rest.

These complications of hypertension can be prevented by maintaining blood pressure within a normal range. If you have hypertension, ensure you take antihypertensive medication regularly and consult a specialist at Tzu Chi Hospital for periodic health evaluations.

 

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Chris Tanto, Sp.PD.