Close to half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, or hypertension, which increases the risk of serious cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and strokes.
Our goal is to inform you, not to cause unnecessary worry. Dr. James Kim and our heart health team have seen the effects of uncontrolled blood pressure, and we’re dedicated to helping you avoid these dangers. The issue with hypertension is that it often shows no symptoms until something severe happens.
Let’s look at the risks of hypertension and, more importantly, what we can do to lower your blood pressure and reduce your overall risks.
Heart Attack, Stroke, and Heart Disease
High blood pressure forces your cardiovascular system to work harder to deliver oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. Narrowed arteries increase blood pressure, damaging the walls of these blood vessels.
Additionally, your heart can weaken from the extra effort needed to pump blood through your circulatory system.
As a result, ongoing hypertension significantly increases your risk of developing heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
While heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes are the leading causes of death in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that 200,000 of these deaths per year are preventable. One of the first steps to prevention is keeping your blood pressure in check.
Kidney Health
Hypertension can damage the arteries around your kidneys, impairing their ability to filter blood properly. This can lead to kidney disease and, eventually, kidney failure.
Sexual Dysfunction
One major cause of erectile dysfunction in men, especially as they age, is inadequate blood supply to the penis, often due to hypertension.
Loss of Vision
The blood vessels in your eyes are highly sensitive. High blood pressure can damage these vessels, leading to vision loss.
How to Lower Your Blood Pressure
The first and most crucial step is to have your blood pressure checked regularly by us. By monitoring your blood pressure, we can guide you in taking the necessary steps to control hypertension, including:
- Reducing salt, fat, and sugar in your diet
- Increasing physical activity
- Quitting smoking
- Cutting back on alcohol
While lifestyle changes are the most effective, we can also prescribe medications if you are at risk of serious cardiovascular issues. For example, blood thinners can help improve blood flow.
To take charge of your health and lower your blood pressure, contact one of our offices in Chula Vista or National City, California, today.
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Heart Disorder, Hypertension Management
