Complications and Dangers of High Blood Pressure ~ Health

High blood pressure – also known as hypertension – is a chronic disorder that affects the arteries and the heart.

 This condition forces the heart to work harder. 

This in turn, makes the heart weaker. As the heart weakens, it causes a myriad of health complications.

With every beat, the heart pushes blood throughout the body. Blood pressure refers to the amount of force within the arteries and veins. Blood pressure is expressed in two measurements: systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure measures the blood being pumped out the heart. Diastolic blood pressure measures between heartbeats.

Complications of High Blood Pressure

Arteriosclerosis

Too much pressure causes hardening or narrowing of the arteries. Healthy arteries should be pliant and flexible in order to withstand the pressure from the heart. Hypertension causes the inner lining of the arteries to harden. This condition is called arteriosclerosis. When the arteries are hardened, blood flow becomes slower. Eventually, arteriosclerosis leads to kidney failure, heart attack, blocked arteries, and eye damage.

Aneurysm

Aneurysm is an often-fatal condition wherein a damaged artery bulges and ruptures. This condition causes internal bleeding, coma, artery damage and death.

Coronary Artery Disease

This condition affects the blood supply to the heart through the arteries. When the arteries become narrowed, blood won’t flow freely. When blood can no longer flow freely, it leads to irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmias, chest pain and heart attack.