Complications of hypertension, or high blood pressure, are a dangerous condition that often leads to various potentially fatal health problems. This condition can affect anyone with high blood pressure. High blood pressure weakens blood vessel walls and damages arteries that are supposed to be elastic, strong, and flexible. Complications of hypertension also contribute to the following diseases:
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1. Heart attack
The first condition is a heart attack, where high pressure in the blood vessels disrupts heart function. If not treated promptly, blood flow to the muscles will be restricted, making heart attacks closely associated with high blood pressure.
2. Heart Failure
Complications of hypertension can also trigger heart failure which makes the heart harder, thickens the heart muscle walls, and worsens heart health conditions.
3. Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a bulging of the artery wall due to excessively high blood pressure. Early symptoms are often subtle, but over time, you'll experience a throbbing pain. When this throbbing begins, you should immediately seek medical attention.
4. Peripheral Artery Disease
Complications of hypertension cause narrowing of the arteries in the legs, head, arms, and abdomen. Common symptoms of arterial narrowing include cramps, pain, and tenderness in the muscles of the legs and hips.
5. Mild Stroke (Transient Ischemic Attack)
A Transient Ischemic Attack is a condition in which blood vessels in the brain harden and block blood flow to the brain. If left untreated, this symptom can progress to a stroke.
6. Stroke
Stroke is a complication of hypertension that indicates blood vessels have begun to narrow, become blocked, or leak. This condition is extremely dangerous because it disrupts oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain, kills cells and tissue, and slows brain function.
7. Brain Aneurysm
If a patient's hypertension complications persist for a long time and worsen, a brain aneurysm can develop, which can rupture at any time. This condition is common in women over 40, especially those who have gone through menopause.
8. Memory loss
Because hypertension complications generally affect brain health, hypertension that is not treated properly will also reduce memory.
9. Eye Damage
Hypertension can also affect vision due to damage to the retinal blood vessels and damage to the optic nerve. This can lead to blurred vision and permanent blindness.
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10. Kidney Disorders
Complications of hypertension can also gradually impair kidney function. Kidneys regulate the elimination of body fluids, and if their function is impaired, the metabolic system will also be disrupted, ultimately leading to more severe damage to the body.
11. Metabolic Syndrome
The main sign of metabolic disorders is significant weight gain or obesity, where bad cholesterol outweighs good cholesterol. This imbalance disrupts insulin function and leads to various heart diseases, stroke, and severe obesity.
12. Sexual Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can occur as a result of complications of hypertension which blocks blood flow to the penis and also reduces sexual desire in women.
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Hypertension complications are often underestimated because they are generally considered a disease that only affects the elderly. If you begin to experience uncomfortable symptoms, immediately consult a medical unit specializing in heart and blood vessels, such as Bunda Hospital, Jakarta. Also, find out the doctor's schedule at Bunda Group Hospital units near you and reserve your appointment here. For the sake of your health, also visit the Bunda Group Hospital information page to find the health services that suit your needs.