Why Blood Pressure Check-Up Appointments are Important

Understanding Hypertension: Causes and Effects

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common yet serious condition where the force of the blood against your artery walls is too high. Over time, this pressure can cause damage to your blood vessels, leading to severe health problems.

Causes of Hypertension The exact cause of hypertension is often unknown, but several factors can contribute:

1. Genetics – Family history of high blood pressure can increase your risk.
2. Unhealthy Diet – High salt, fat, and processed foods can elevate blood pressure.
3. Lack of Physical Activity – Sedentary lifestyles contribute to weight gain and increased blood pressure.
4. Obesity – Extra weight puts more strain on the heart.
5. Chronic Stress – Prolonged stress can raise blood pressure levels.
6. Excessive Alcohol and Tobacco Use – Both can damage the heart and blood vessels.

Effects of Hypertension Untreated hypertension can cause serious damage to various organs and systems in the body:

1. Heart Disease – High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, increasing the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and enlarged heart.
2. Stroke – Hypertension can damage blood vessels in the brain, leading to clots or ruptures, resulting in strokes.
3. Kidney Damage – Over time, high blood pressure can damage the kidneys' filtering system.
4. Vision Loss – High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, potentially leading to blindness.
5. Cognitive Decline – Long-term hypertension may impair brain function, contributing to dementia or memory loss.

Prevention and Management The good news is hypertension is manageable. Regular check-ups, a healthy diet, exercise, stress management, and medications can help control blood pressure and prevent its dangerous effects.

Don’t ignore your blood pressure. Early detection and proper management are key to a long, healthy life.