Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, occurs when blood pressure levels exceed 140/90 mmHg. This condition can lead to severe long-term consequences, including Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), brain stroke, kidney damage, and vision loss.
In specific cases, blood pressure readings above 130/90 mmHg, particularly in individuals with diabetes or pre-existing kidney disease, require immediate treatment. However, when blood pressure spikes to extremely high levels above 180/120 mmHg, it becomes a hypertensive emergency, posing an imminent threat. To learn more about this issue, we spoke to Dr Pawan Poddar, Director of the Cath Lab and Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.
The Dangers of Uncontrolled Hypertension
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only about 12% of individuals with hypertension have their blood pressure effectively controlled in India.
Dr Poddar said that persistent high blood pressure can narrow arteries and impede blood flow to the heart muscle, triggering a heart attack. Moreover, the blockage or rupture of blood vessels supplying the brain can result in a stroke, causing devastating consequences.
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"Additionally, high blood pressure can strain and damage blood vessels in the eyes, risking vision loss. It may also lead to erectile dysfunction in men and decreased libido in women," he added.
"Excessive blood pressure over time can contribute to Microvascular Disease (MVD), leading to angina, a condition characterised by chest pain. Furthermore, hypertension-related atherosclerosis can narrow arteries in the legs, arms, stomach, and brain, potentially causing Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which can be painful and exhausting," said the doctor.
Hypertensive Crisis: An Urgent Call to Action
"High blood pressure exerts gradual pressure on artery walls, resulting in hypertension's adverse effects," according to Dr Poddar. In hypertensive crises, transient interruptions in blood supply to the brain, known as Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) or ministrokes, may occur due to blood clots or hardened arteries.
Some forms of dementia may also arise due to narrowed or clogged arteries that diminish blood supply to the brain, while minor cognitive impairment has been associated with high blood pressure, explained the doctor.
The Kidneys at Risk: Hypertensive Crisis and Its Complications
Hypertension also can cause damage to blood vessels in the kidneys, exacerbating kidney problems. "Individuals with diabetes and high blood pressure face an even greater risk of kidney damage, intensifying the severity of the condition," said Dr Poddar.
He explained, "Scarring of the kidneys, known as glomerulosclerosis, occurs when the small blood vessels in the kidneys scar and lose their filtering capacity, leading to kidney failure and necessitating treatments like kidney transplantation or dialysis."
Also Read: Expert FAQs On Hypertension: 6 Things To Know About High Blood Pressure
Seeking Help: Identifying Hypertensive Emergency
"Immediate medical attention is crucial if blood pressure readings surge to extremely high levels and symptoms of target organ damage, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, changes in vision, or difficulty speaking, are absent," said Dr Poddar. He suggested that these signs may indicate a hypertensive emergency, demanding swift action to prevent life-threatening complications.
Conclusion
Understanding the gravity of the hypertensive crisis and its potential consequences is vital for early detection, treatment, and lifestyle modifications. Regular blood pressure monitoring, following healthcare advice, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension-related complications, promoting better long-term health and well-being.
[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider to get a thorough diagnosis and treatment as per your health needs.]
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