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A common mistake is that many people view high blood pressure only as a number and do not consider it important to address the situation. However, persistent, untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious complications over the years. Here are 7 very serious diseases that could certainly be avoided.
1. Cerebral calcification
At first it may manifest only as slight forgetfulness. Plaque builds up on the walls of small cerebral blood vessels, causing them to narrow and limiting the supply of blood and nutrients to the brain. This can lead to gradual tissue death and subsequently to memory loss, reduced concentration and mental decline. In more advanced stages, irreversible personality change may occur.
2. Stroke
The symptoms of a stroke are, unlike high blood pressure, very noticeable: severe, sudden headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and hemiplegia, which can affect the limbs and facial muscles. A stroke often develops on the basis of high blood pressure. The direct cause is the rupture of one of the larger vessels in the brain, which leads to paralysis of the affected area of the brain.
3. Heart failure
When the small vessels of the heart calcify and narrow, the supply of blood and nutrients to the heart worsens. Symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath are common at first, but worsen over time. Untreated disease can lead to insomnia, swelling of the legs and frequent nighttime urination. Purple lips and nails are a sign of a serious problem that requires immediate medical attention.
4. Brain or heart infarction
Blockage of a larger artery in the brain by a blood clot leads to a cerebral infarction, which can manifest as speech disturbances, visual problems, limb paralysis and facial drooping. A heart infarction presents with chest pain, breathing difficulties, sweating and a feeling of fear. In both cases it is necessary to call an ambulance immediately.
5. Angina pectoris
Narrowed coronary arteries of the heart may deliver less oxygen, leading to a constricting chest pain. This condition requires immediate medical attention to determine whether it is a heart attack.
6. Kidney complications
High blood pressure can damage the vessels in the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function and ultimately to kidney failure. If left untreated, this condition can be fatal.
7. Bleeding into the eyes
Bleeding into the eyes can occur in patients with high blood pressure when the increased pressure strains the vessel walls and can cause them to rupture. Bleeding into the vitreous can cause blurred vision or spots in the visual field. Patients with high blood pressure should regularly undergo fundus examinations and blood pressure checks.
Prevention and treatment
To prevent these serious complications, it is important to regularly measure blood pressure, maintain a healthy lifestyle and take prescribed medications if necessary. If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor and regularly monitor your health. Remember that prevention is always better than treatment.
A healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, plenty of exercise and proper hydration, can significantly contribute to maintaining normal blood pressure and preventing these serious diseases. Do not ignore your blood pressure and take care of your health.
