Hypertension: High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the most common medical condition affecting millions of people across the world. While it can lead to several health problems, uncontrolled hypertension can significantly damage the brain and kidneys.
Treatment and lifestyle changes can help control high blood pressure to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.
Here we will see how high blood pressure affects brain and kidneys over the years.
Hypertension affects brain
The brain requires constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function correctly. Arteries supply the brain with oxygen and nutrients. High blood pressure can damage the arteries, leading to a reduction in blood flow to the brain.
Reduced blood flow over time can damage the brain’s small blood vessels. This can result in cognitive impairment, including difficulties with memory, thinking, and decision-making.
High blood pressure can also increase the risk of stroke, a severe medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced. Hypertension is the leading cause of stroke, accounting for more than 50% of all cases.
Hypertension can also increase the risk of developing dementia, a condition that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. Studies have found that people with hypertension are more likely to develop dementia than those with normal blood pressure.
Blood Pressure can damage kidneys
Kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and regulating fluid balance in the body. They also play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure.
High blood pressure can damage the kidneys, leading to a condition called nephrosclerosis. This condition affects the kidney’s ability to filter waste products from the blood, leading to an accumulation of toxins in the body.
Over time, nephrosclerosis can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function correctly. CKD can result in a range of symptoms, including fatigue, fluid retention, and high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is the second leading cause of CKD, accounting for approximately 25% of all cases. In some cases, hypertension can also cause acute kidney injury, a sudden loss of kidney function that can be life-threatening.
How to managing hypertension
Treatment and lifestyle changes can reduce blood pressure levels and minimise the risk of complications.
Lifestyle changes are the first line of defence against hypertension. One must maintain weight, have a balanced diet, reduce salt intake, do regular exercise and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
When all this does not bring down the blood pressure levels, medications will be required to manage hypertension. Only your doctor can tell which medication is best for you based on your individual needs and medical history.
Patients must monitor their blood pressure regularly.
Disclaimer: This material, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Take the methods, and claims mentioned in this article as suggestions only; DNP India does not confirm or refute them. Consult a doctor before implementing any such suggestions/ treatment/medicine/diet.
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