Commentary - (2023) Volume 9, Issue 11
Received: 30-Oct-2023, Manuscript No. IPIC-23-18480; Editor assigned: 01-Nov-2023, Pre QC No. IPIC-23-18480 (PQ); Reviewed: 15-Nov-2023, QC No. IPIC-23-18480; Revised: 20-Nov-2023, Manuscript No. IPIC-23-18480 (R); Published: 27-Nov-2023, DOI: 10.21767/2471-8157.9.11.104
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can have significant and far-reaching effects on an individual's health. It is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it can cause damage to multiple organ systems without producing noticeable symptoms. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and heart failure. High blood pressure can lead to the formation of blood clots or weak blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of stroke. Hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. Hypertension can damage blood vessels in the eyes, increasing the risk of vision loss. Narrowed and blocked arteries can reduce blood flow to the limbs, leading to peripheral artery disease and potential amputations. Uncontrolled hypertension is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Persistent high blood pressure can weaken blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of aneurysms (bulging and potentially ruptured blood vessels). Hypertension can lead to erectile dysfunction in men and decreased sexual desire in both men and women. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is less common than high blood pressure and can be caused by various factors. Insufficient fluid intake or excessive loss of fluids through vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating can lead to low blood pressure. Some medications, such as antihypertensive, diuretics, and certain antidepressants, can cause low blood pressure as a side effect. Conditions like bradycardia (slow heart rate), heart valve disease, and heart attack can reduce cardiac output and lower blood pressure. Disorders of the autonomic nervous system, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple system atrophy, can lead to orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing). Conditions like Addison's disease, diabetes, and thyroid problems can cause low blood pressure. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can result in a sudden drop in blood pressure. Bloodstream infections (sepsis) can cause a drop in blood pressure. Low blood pressure is common in early pregnancy but usually resolves by the second trimester. While low blood pressure is generally less common and less well-known than high blood pressure, it can also lead to health problems and complications. Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, especially when standing up (orthostatic hypotension). Reduced blood flow to vital organs can lead to fatigue and weakness. Insufficient blood flow to the brain can impair cognitive function. Low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney dysfunction. Reduced blood flow to the heart can cause chest pain or angina. In severe cases, hypotension can lead to shock, a life-threatening condition that results in inadequate blood supply to vital organs. Diagnosing high and low blood pressure involves several steps, including a medical history, physical examination, and specific diagnostic tests. The healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, risk factors, family history, and lifestyle habits that may contribute to blood pressure issues. A physical examination may reveal signs of high or low blood pressure, such as irregular heart sounds, changes in pulse, or neurological symptoms. Accurate blood pressure measurements are key to diagnosis. Multiple readings taken over time are typically used to establish a diagnosis and assess the severity. In cases of suspected secondary causes of blood pressure issues, further tests may be conducted, such as blood tests, imaging studies, and cardiac evaluations.
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The author’s declared that they have no conflict of interest.
Citation: Jun Y (2023) The Unseen Effects of High Blood Pressure: How to Protect Yourself. Interv Cardiol J. 9:104.
Copyright: © 2023 Jun Y. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
