Hypertension is a silent killer. It is one of those diseases that can go untreated for a long time because there are no symptoms. If you have hypertension in Gilbert, AZ, you should schedule a visit with Dr. Zaki Lababidi or Dr. Khaled Albasha of Gilbert Cardiology as soon as possible to try to avoid the long-term effects of hypertension.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension is what is commonly called high blood pressure. When you go to see your doctor, they use a blood pressure cuff to take your blood pressure. It is in two numbers, one over the other. The top number is systolic, which is the highest pressure your blood reaches, and the bottom number is diastolic, which is the relaxed pressure between beats. If the numbers are higher than 140/90, this is considered high. The sustained high pressure can be damaging to the heart, the veins, and the organs.
Long-term Effects of Hypertension
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, no matter what your sex or ethnicity. Heart disease refers to a variety of heart conditions. Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects a large number of people. This causes decreased blood flow to the heart, which can lead to a heart attack. Lifestyle choices are responsible for many heart disease issues.
Strokes can happen from letting hypertension go untreated. Hypertension damages arteries. When the damaged artery is in the brain, it can lead to a stroke. If the artery becomes blocked or bursts, it leads to a hemorrhage in the brain and causes impairment and potentially death.
Kidney disease can result from the hardening and narrowing of the arteries that feed the kidneys. The kidneys perform a very important function of filtering the blood and if they are not getting an adequate blood supply they may not be able to do their job. Kidneys also help to regulate blood pressure, which can also be affected.
Vascular dementia is a type of dementia that affects many people. Damage to the arteries can lead to strokes and is also a risk factor for dementia. Research is ongoing to discover the level of risk hypertension poses in Gilbert, AZ, and around the world.
A bulge in the aorta is an aortic aneurysm. The aorta is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the torso and the chest. If the aneurysm bursts, it is fatal about 80% of the time. Hypertension causes the walls of the aorta. to become weaker.
To receive treatment for hypertension in Gilbert, AZ, contact Dr.Lababidi and Dr. Khaled Albasha of Gilbert Cardiology to make an appointment. Our number is (480) 786-9100.