High blood pressure has been nicknamed the “silent killer” because it rarely comes with warning signs. Many people with high blood pressure, or hypertension, don’t even know they have it until it becomes a significant health threat.
But whether you’re one of the fortunate ones who caught high blood pressure in its earliest stages or you’re not sure if you’re even at risk yet, this blog is for you. Dr. Michael Skardasis at Optimal Performance Medicine wants everyone to know what’s at stake if their blood pressure gets out of control.
Here are some ways your health can take a hit when your numbers spike.
First and foremost, high blood pressure has a direct impact on cardiovascular health. The higher your blood pressure, the more stress the walls of your blood vessels endure.
Over time, all of that extra stress damages your blood vessels and makes it easier for plaque to accumulate. Plaque accumulation narrows your blood vessels and increases your risk for heart problems like peripheral artery disease (PAD), blood clots, heart failure, and heart attacks.
Sluggish blood flow to and from your heart can also lead to angina, which is chest pain that intensifies when you walk uphill, climb stairs, or exercise.
Your larger veins and arteries aren’t alone on the chopping block. High blood pressure can affect even the smallest blood vessels, especially those in your eyes. Too much pressure for too long puts stress on your optic nerve, which can disrupt your vision.
In the worst cases, uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to permanent vision loss.
The blood vessels that lead to and from your kidneys can also feel the effects of hypertension. Weak blood vessels around your kidneys can make it difficult for them to function properly.
Your brain is a supercomputer that relies on many functions to operate at a high level, including your cardiovascular system. Without a steady blood supply, your blood vessels constrict and your memory and focus decline.
Furthermore, people with long-term uncontrolled high blood pressure may be more at risk for dementia.
Male sexual function is largely a cardiovascular event, and men with high blood pressure often struggle with erectile dysfunction. Women are also likely to experience a dip in libido, but it’s not clear why.
It’s not easy to read all of the ways your health can suffer if your high blood pressure goes untreated, but the good news is that hypertension is treatable — there are many ways to manage it and even prevent it from becoming a problem.
The first step is to stay on top of your blood pressure numbers. We strongly encourage you to see us for regular physical exams so we can check your blood pressure and be proactive if we notice an upward trend or concerning change.
At Optimal Performance Medicine, we pride ourselves on helping patients rely less on medication and more on healthy habits. We help you create a customized treatment plan that could include:
We also focus heavily on your diet. Blood pressure-friendly diets include plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains; they exclude or significantly limit salty and processed foods and saturated fats.
You’re never alone in your battle against high blood pressure. Our team walks with you every step of the way to make sure the healthy habits you’re working on stick around for the long haul.
If you’re concerned about your high blood pressure or simply want to know if you’re at risk, call Optimal Performance Medicine in Woodstock, Georgia, to schedule an appointment or use our convenient online booking.
