According to the CDC, 116 million adults in the USA have hypertension. That’s nearly half of men and women with a blood pressure reading above 130/80 mmHg. This healthcare problem is rightly associated with higher risks for cardiovascular disease, but it’s not just a risk factor for heart health.
At Access Health Physician Services, our physicians in Jensen Beach, Florida would like to shine more light on the effects of hypertension and why getting regular monitoring and intervention is important.
- Blood vessels
Healthy arteries are flexible and strong, as needed to maintain regular blood flow. With hypertension, more stress is placed on the arteries, damaging the linings and narrowing them as fat accumulates. This continued weakening of the arteries then leads to aneurysms, or ruptures, which can be fatal. - Brain
Our brains are highly dependent on our blood supply. Damage to the blood vessels due to hypertension can lead to stroke, impaired cognitive function, and even higher risk of dementia. - Kidneys
As filters for waste through the blood, the kidneys are also sensitive to the health of blood vessels. Hypertension often leads to kidney scarring and even kidney failure, which can be costly to treat. - Eyes
Ocular tissue is extremely delicate. Hypertension can block or rupture blood vessels within the eyes, causing nerve damage, fluid buildup, and retinopathy, all of which lead to impaired or even lost vision.
Studies have shown that working with medical professionals at the community level has improved care outcomes for people with hypertension, enabling them to avoid or delay to onset of complications we have mentioned and more.
Our primary care services combine screenings and consultations to give you the information you need to make better choices to manage hypertension.
Talk to our urgent care center in Florida and learn how we can be your partner in chronic care management and family medicine.
