Hypertension or high blood pressure is often referred to as a silent killer. Dr Arun Kalyanasundaram, Director & Chief Cardiologist, Promed Hospital, Chennai, says most people are unaware that they have high blood pressure, as it often has no symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and even liver complications.
1. Heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases
“Hypertension causes coronary artery disease due to the buildup of cholesterol and fat laden plaques in the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart,” says Dr Kalyanasundaram. This reduces blood flow to the heart and increases the risk of heart attacks.
He adds that hypertension causes diastolic dysfunction (stiffening of cardiac muscles), a common cause of heart failure. It also causes left ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the walls of the left ventricle).
2. Kidney problems
Hypertension can lead to constriction and narrowing of the blood vessels, causing poor blood flow to the kidney, says Dr Jyotirmaya Dash, Additional Director – Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Vadapalani, Chennai. Hypertension is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Highlighting the relationship between hypertension and kidney problems, Dr Dash says, “Not only does hypertension lead to kidney problems, but kidney disease can also contribute to hypertension.”
3. Sexual dysfunction
“The duration and severity of hypertension are strongly associated with erectile dysfunction,” says Dr Kalyanasundaram.
High blood pressure damages the blood vessels and affects the blood flow to the body, including the genital area contributing to erectile dysfunction in men, says Dr Dash. Hypertension also causes other sexual complications in people with diabetes and obesity.
4. Brain stroke
“High blood pressure is the most prevalent risk factor for stroke,” says Dr Kalyanasundaram. He adds that continuous high blood pressure weakens the vessels supplying blood to the brain. This can rupture them or increase the risk of clot formation, leading to increased risk of stroke. Managing blood pressure is important to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.
5. Eye problems
The eyes are vulnerable to the effects of hypertension too. “The eyes contain small blood vessels and high blood pressure can damage these small blood vessels in the retina,” says Dr Kalyanasundaram. People with prolonged high blood pressure are more at risk of vision loss. High blood pressure causes complications in the eyes of people diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy.
“Hypertension increases the risk of optic neuropathy,” says Dr Dash. He adds that when blood vessels become blocked, the optic nerves are damaged leading to vision loss.
“Routine eye check-ups are crucial for early detection of any eye disease associated with hypertension,” he adds.
6. Dementia
“People with higher systolic blood pressure are at an increased risk of vascular dementia,” says Dr Dash. Vascular dementia is caused by poor blood flow to the brain, affecting the brain cells’ ability to function normally.
The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes are major factors for the increase in the number of people affected with dementia across the globe. People with uncontrolled blood pressure are also at risk of early onset of dementia.
7. Aneurysm
Aneurysm is the swelling of the arteries, due to high blood pressure, says Dr Dash. He adds that high blood pressure can reduce the enzymes (binding force for maintaining the elasticity of the arteries) leading to rupture, causing heavy bleeding in the brain or even sudden death.
8. Metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome, also called Syndrome X is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and an increased hip waist ratio, says Dr Dash. He adds that hypertension is a major risk factor in the development of metabolic syndrome.
9. Gestational hypertension
Gestational hypertension is hypertension developed during pregnancy. “Hypertension has a negative effect on both mother and infant,” says Dr Dash. High blood pressure can lead to poor blood flow to the placenta, restricting the nutrients and oxygen supply to the fetus. This will lead to further complications, such as restricted fetal growth or low birth weight.
Women with unmanaged blood pressure are likely to develop gestational diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy. He advises pregnant women to go for screening tests for early diagnosis. Gestational hypertension usually normalises after pregnancy but increases the risk of developing hypertension later in life.
10. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
People with hypertension are at an increased risk of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). This is a condition caused due to arterial blockages in your limbs, mainly legs, affecting your blood circulation. Though PAD can be caused due to various reasons, the stiffening of arterial walls is mainly due to hypertension and diabetes. This along with plaque deposits due to high cholesterol circulating in your blood restricts the smooth flow of blood. Dr Dash explains that excess pressure puts tremendous strain on the arterial walls.
Managing hypertension for a healthy lifestyle
To manage hypertension, it is important to make lifestyle changes, say experts. Below are some steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of hypertension.
- Reducing salt intake
- Regular blood pressure check
- Regular exercise
- Avoid smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet
