High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Blood pressure refers to the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as it flows through your body. When this pressure becomes too high, it can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the effects that chronic high blood pressure, untreated, can have on the body over time. We’ll also introduce you to Internal Medicine Lipid and Wellness of Fort Myers, Florida – a concierge member-only care facility that can help with your health needs at every age.
The Silent Killer
High blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” because most people don’t experience any symptoms until significant damage has been done. The condition can lead to several health problems, including heart disease, stroke, vision loss, and kidney failure. High blood pressure is particularly dangerous because it can cause your arteries to narrow and harden, making it difficult for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body. Left unchecked, it can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
The Effects
The effects of high blood pressure on your heart and blood vessels may not be obvious at first, but over time, it can significantly increase your risk of developing serious health conditions. High blood pressure can cause damage to your blood vessels, which can lead to the accumulation of fatty plaques that make your arteries narrow and stiff. This can lead to several health problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Kidneys
When your blood pressure is high, your kidneys have to work harder to filter waste products and excess fluids from your blood. Over time, the extra strain on your kidneys can cause them to become damaged and less effective. This can lead to kidney failure, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Eye Sight
Chronic high blood pressure can also cause damage to your eyes by damaging the tiny blood vessels in your retina, which can lead to vision loss and even blindness over time. This is especially dangerous for people with diabetes who are already at an increased risk of developing eye problems. If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to get regular eye exams to detect any changes in your vision.
The Takeaway
High blood pressure is a serious health condition that can have long-term effects on virtually every part of your body. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage your blood pressure, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Contact us
At Internal Medicine Lipid and Wellness of Fort Myers, Florida, we specialize in helping patients manage high blood pressure and other health conditions. We offer personalized, concierge member-only care that puts you at the center of your health. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal health at every age.
Please visit www.IMWLP.com to learn more or sign on as a patient! For more information or to book an initial appointment please call our office at (239) 362-3005 Ext 200.
