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High blood pressure, also known as the silent killer, often has no visible symptoms in its early stages. That is the danger – many people underestimate this condition because they feel well. Untreated hypertension, however, can gradually lead to serious complications and severe diseases. Read about which diseases high blood pressure can cause and why it is important to monitor it.
1) Cerebrovascular sclerosis
At first it shows no symptoms, but it can gradually lead to memory disorders. Small blood vessels in the brain become blocked and the supply of oxygen is reduced. This leads to the death of brain cells, which can cause mental decline and personality change.
2) Stroke
Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for stroke. With high blood pressure, a blood vessel in the brain can burst, leading to severe damage to brain tissue. Typical symptoms include sudden weakness, paralysis of one side of the body, speech disturbance, or severe headache. If you notice these symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
3) Heart failure
High blood pressure puts strain on the heart and impairs its function. Early symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling of the legs, may be subtle. If left untreated, it can lead to heart failure, which is a life-threatening condition. Blue lips and nails are a warning sign that requires immediate medical attention.
4) Myocardial and brain infarction
Hypertension can lead to blockage of vessels in the heart and brain, which causes an infarction. In the case of a myocardial infarction, there are severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating. A brain infarction manifests as speech disturbance, weakness in the limbs, and drooping of the corner of the mouth. Every minute counts – with these symptoms you must call an ambulance immediately.
5) Angina pectoris
With high blood pressure, narrowing of the coronary arteries occurs, which limits the supply of oxygen to the heart. A typical symptom is pressure or pain in the chest, which can occur during physical exertion or stress. If these pains persist, it may be a heart attack and you should seek medical help immediately.
6) Kidney damage
Hypertension negatively affects the blood vessels in the kidneys, which can lead to their failure. The kidneys gradually lose the ability to filter the blood, which causes accumulation of toxic substances in the body. Untreated hypertension can even lead to the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation.
7) Eye complications
High blood pressure can cause bleeding into the eye, which leads to visual disturbances. Patients may notice red spots in the eyes or blurred vision. Severe bleeding can even lead to blindness. Regular eye check-ups for people with hypertension are therefore essential.
How to protect yourself from high blood pressure?
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Healthy diet: Limit salt and saturated fat intake, include more fruit, vegetables and whole-grain products.
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Regular exercise: Daily walking, swimming or cycling helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
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Avoiding stress: Relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga can help lower blood pressure.
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Regular check-ups: Measuring blood pressure at least once a year will help detect problems early.
