Do you notice how each visit to the doctors office begins with a blood pressure measurement? That's because hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, is a significant risk factor in developing a number of health issues.
The most frightening part about high blood pressure is that there are no symptoms until it becomes very severe. A person suffering from primary high blood pressure, which is considered the most common form of high blood pressure, will present no symptoms and feel no discomfort in their daily activities. Too many people suffering from high blood pressure are unaware of this danger until their next trip to the doctor.
The onset of hypertension symptoms occurs only in the most severe cases when ones blood pressure reaches levels of 160 over 100 or higher. At these levels, the risk of a hypertensive crisis, also known as hypertensive emergency or malignant high blood pressure, is likely and constitutes a medical emergency.
High blood pressure can result in serious complications to organ function if left untreated over a period of time. The outcomes of hypertension-related complications include eye damage, kidney failure, and stroke. Hypertension can also wreak havoc on the circulatory system by leading to the development of peripheral arterial disease. Untreated high blood pressure can also result in chest pain, heart attack, and/or heart failure.
If you have experienced any of the above symptoms, schedule a visit with your physician to rule out, or treat, hypertension.
