Hypertension itself is not frightening; what is frightening are its various complications. Below we introduce common complications associated with hypertension!
Common Complications of Hypertension
Coronary Heart Disease
If hypertension remains untreated long-term, 49% of patients may die from this disease.Persistently elevated blood pressure accelerates atherosclerosis. Since the coronary arteries are the primary source of oxygen and nutrients for the heart, they are similarly affected.
Studies show hypertensive patients face a higher risk of coronary heart disease than the general population. Therefore, be vigilant for severe cardiac events. If a patient suddenly experiences chest pain radiating to the left shoulder or upper limb, seek immediate medical evaluation as it may indicate coronary heart disease.
Cerebral Thrombosis
Poor long-term blood pressure control can lead to cerebral arteriosclerosis and thrombus formation when blood flow is obstructed in cerebral arteries. Such blockages pose a risk of cerebral infarction.
In fact, hypertension is the most significant risk factor for cerebral infarction. Atherosclerosis and fragility within cerebral arteries may increase the risk of cerebral hemorrhage. When experiencing numbness, weakness, dizziness, or sudden visual blackouts, be alert to the possibility of transient ischemic attack.Disrupted lipid metabolism increases the risk and incidence of vascular diseases.
Retinal Lesions
Hypertension requires monitoring of retinal arteries, as these vessels are affected by elevated blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to retinal lesions, retinal disease, and vision loss, with severe cases potentially resulting in blindness.
Kidney Disease
Elevated blood pressure readily damages the kidneys, leading to primary or secondary renal disorders. As vital metabolic organs, the kidneys process waste products transported by the bloodstream. Excessive vascular pressure causes vessel walls to thicken, compromising renal blood supply. Prolonged impairment can result in kidney damage, potentially progressing to renal failure and diminished kidney function.
Hypertension harms the kidneys by causing renal arteriolar sclerosis, leading to ischemia, atrophy, and subsequent proliferation of fibrous tissue. This hypertension-induced complication is termed hypertensive nephrosclerosis. It results in increased red blood cells and protein in the urine, and if persistent into advanced stages, may cause urinary obstruction.
Epidemiological studies reveal that hypertension-induced chronic kidney disease has become the primary cause of uremia in developed countries. Renal lesions resulting from hypertension are irreversible throughout life.
Vascular Changes
Under normal conditions, blood vessel walls remain intact and healthy. Elevated blood pressure causes vessels to narrow and lose elasticity. Even minor carelessness can then lead to vessel rupture, posing a life-threatening risk. Hypertension severely compromises vascular quality and elasticity, particularly when combined with obesity, which significantly increases blood cholesterol levels.