The Dangers of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (HBP) has a well-earned but disturbing nickname of “The Silent Killer” due to its stealthy creep, leading to heart disease, stroke, and organ damage. It’s thought to affect nearly half of adults and displays few symptoms until it inflicts significant damage. 

By checking your blood pressure regularly and getting an annual physical, we monitor your blood pressure and practice preventive care and HBP management.

Dr. Ben Kermani is a primary care physician who has offices in Las Vegas and Summerlin, Nevada. As a high blood pressure specialist, he screens you for high blood pressure, discusses your medical history, and develops a treatment plan. 

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure measures the force of your blood against the blood vessel walls as it pumps through your body. We measure two things. 

• Systolic pressure: Pressure of your heartbeat 
• Diastolic pressure: Pressure between heartbeats 

A textbook example of a healthy cardiovascular reading  120/80, with 120 representing the systolic pressure and diastolic representing the bottom number. When the numbers are higher, it represents hypertension or HBP.

High blood pressure dangers

It’s important to keep an eye on your blood pressure. If left unchecked, HBP can cause serious health complications, including: 

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney damage
• Weak vision
• Aneurysms 

Heart disease 

HBP strains the heart, which can weaken it over time and cause it to fail. Heart attacks, heart failures, and arrhythmias are all typical results of long-term heart disease. 

Stroke 

HBP also damages your arteries and can interrupt blood flow to the brain, leading to a stroke. You’re also at higher risk of blood clots and hemorrhages. 

Kidney damage 

Your kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from the bloodstream, but chronic hypertension can damage this process, leading to kidney failure or other complications. 

Weak vision 

HBP damages the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, too. Some people who have chronic hypertension end up with diabetic retinopathy or other eye complications that can result in losing your vision.

Aneurysms 

HBP weakens the artery walls, and blood builds up in specific areas. If an aneurysm ruptures, you experience internal bleeding.

High blood pressure risk factors and prevention

Genetics, lifestyle, age, and underlying health conditions put you at greater risk for developing high blood pressure.  Examples include having a family history of high blood pressure, living a sedentary lifestyle, and not watching what you eat. 

To manage HBP or prevent it altogether, it’s important to:

• Eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables
• Get regular exercise
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Don’t smoke or drink to excess
• Manage your stress

Dr. Ben Kermani is a primary care doctor in Las Vegas and Summerlin, Nevada. Thanks to high blood pressure screenings, he helps you prevent or manage HBP through a customized treatment plan. Call the office nearest you or book online today.