To understand what hypertension is, it is necessary to know how blood flow works within the body.
Blood circulates through vessels that require a certain degree of elasticity and constant pressure to function properly. When these conditions change, the heart and blood vessels can be forced to work harder than normal.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Hypertension is a condition in which the arteries (blood vessels) experience persistently elevated blood pressure, which can lead to damage over time. Every time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the vessels to deliver it throughout the body. Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart must work to pump blood.
However, most people with this condition do not experience any symptoms. Only in some cases does hypertension cause headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, or nosebleeds—which is why it is widely known as a "silent killer."
Risk Factors for Hypertension
At least 1.13 billion people worldwide live with this condition, the vast majority residing in low- and middle-income countries. The most common modifiable risk factors include unbalanced diets high in salt, saturated fats, and trans fats, combined with an insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables; physical inactivity; tobacco and alcohol consumption; and being overweight or obese.
On the other hand, non-modifiable risk factors include a family history of hypertension, being over 65 years of age, and underlying conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Complications of Hypertension
Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to severe cardiac damage. Excessive pressure hardens the arteries, reducing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. This increased pressure and reduced blood flow can cause the following complications:
- Chest Pain (Angina Pectoris): Pain or discomfort in the chest resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing heart muscle cells to die from oxygen deprivation. The longer the blockage lasts, the greater the damage to the heart.
- Heart Failure: Occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood and oxygen to meet the needs of other vital organs.
- Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia): In some cases, this condition can lead to sudden cardiac death.
Hypertension can also cause the blockage or rupture of arteries supplying blood and oxygen to the brain, triggering a cerebrovascular event (stroke), as well as kidney damage that can lead to renal failure.
The only way to detect high blood pressure is to visit a healthcare professional to have it measured through a quick, painless procedure. For this reason, regular medical checkups are essential.
At the Cardiovascular Center of Centro Médico ABC, we provide specialized care. Contact us today!
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