High Blood Pressure: A Silent Killer

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High blood pressure is a serious condition that, when left untreated, can result in some serious health complications. Here is a look at just a few of the problems that can be caused by high blood pressure.

The Circulatory System

High blood pressure can result in damage and narrowing of the inner lining of the arteries, which can result in a whole host of problems throughout your body. Over time, the constant pressure from the blood moving through a weakened artery can also result in an aneurysm. If this bulge ruptures, the internal bleeding is life-threatening. While an aneurysm can occur in any artery throughout your body, it most commonly occurs in the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. The damage caused to your circulatory system can also result in coronary heart disease, an enlarged left ventricle in the heart or heart failure.

The Brain

Due to the restricted blood flow caused by high blood pressure, your brain may also suffer. For example, you may experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or ministroke, caused by a blood clot. You may also experience a stroke, mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Mild cognitive impairment and dementia may result from lack of blood or may be the side effect of a stroke.

The Kidneys

High blood pressure can damage both of the large arteries that lead to your kidneys as well as the tiny vessels in your kidneys, making it one of the most common causes of kidney failure. If this occurs, you may ultimately require a kidney transplant or dialysis. High blood pressure can also lead to kidney scarring or a kidney artery aneurysm, which may rupture and result in life-threatening internal bleeding.

If you are suffering from high blood pressure, Dr. Crismon, MD of Advanced Spine & Rehab can help. Dr. Crismon specializes in more than just Phoenix back pain services, he also offers a wide variety of medical services and tests to address a number of injuries and illnesses.