Understanding Hypertension Risks and Preventive Measures
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to severe health issues like heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage, and vision loss. Maintaining healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced diet, and quitting smoking can significantly reduce these risks. Early management is key to a longer, healthier life.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when blood moves through arteries at a velocity higher than normal. This condition can negatively impact various organs and systems within the body.
Healthy arteries are flexible and resilient, but elevated blood pressure can impair their ability to expand and contract properly. Persistent high pressure causes arterial walls to thicken as muscles enlarge, narrowing blood flow pathways.
This narrowing can lead to blockages or ruptures, risking heart attacks or strokes, and can also harm kidney function by damaging renal blood vessels.
The tiny blood vessels supplying the eyes are also vulnerable, resulting in bleeding, blurred or lost vision due to damage. Additionally, high blood pressure can impair sexual health by reducing blood flow to reproductive organs, and increase urinary calcium, affecting bone density.
Managing hypertension involves lifestyle adjustments: losing excess weight, engaging in regular exercise, adopting a healthy diet, reducing salt intake, and limiting alcohol and tobacco use. These steps help prevent serious health complications.
