High blood pressure: why it's dangerous
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of people globally. Although often asymptomatic in its early stages, high blood pressure is a major risk factor for serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Understanding the dangers associated with high blood pressure and taking proactive measures to manage it are essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced life.
At Elytis, we understand the importance of a holistic approach to health. Our team of experienced internal medicine physicians focuses on prevention, accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment of internal conditions, including high blood pressure. By combining medical expertise with state-of-the-art technology and a strong patient-centered focus, we are committed to helping you maintain or regain your wellness.
What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood on the walls of the arteries as it is pumped by the heart. It is measured by two values:
- Systolic blood pressure: the upper value, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood.
- Diastolic blood pressure: the lower value, which is the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats, when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.
Blood pressure is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), and normal values are considered to be around 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as a constant systolic value of 130 mmHg or higher, or a constant diastolic value of 80 mmHg or higher.
Why is high blood pressure dangerous?
The main danger of high blood pressure is that it often shows no obvious symptoms. Many people live for years unaware that they have high blood pressure, which allows the condition to slowly and surely damage the body. This "silent killer" can lead to a number of serious complications, including:
- Heart disease: hypertension puts extra pressure on the heart, forcing it to work harder to pump blood. This can lead to thickening of the heart muscle (left ventricular hypertrophy), heart failure, coronary heart disease (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction) and arrhythmias.
- Stroke: high blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, both ischemic (blockage of a blood vessel to the brain) and hemorrhagic (rupture of a blood vessel in the brain).
- Kidney failure: high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, affecting their ability to filter waste from the blood.
- Atherosclerosis: high blood pressure contributes to the build-up of atherosclerotic plaques (fatty deposits) inside the arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Vision impairment: high blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems and even blindness.
- Erectile dysfunction: in men, hypertension can affect blood flow to the penis, causing erectile dysfunction.
- Cognitive decline: studies suggest a link between hypertension and cognitive decline, including memory problems and dementia.
Risk factors for high blood pressure
Several factors can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. Some of these factors cannot be changed, while others can be controlled by lifestyle changes and medical treatment.
Unchangeable risk factors
- Family history: if you have close relatives with hypertension, your risk is higher.
- Age: the risk of hypertension increases with age.
- Race: certain racial groups, such as people of African descent, have a higher risk of developing hypertension.
Modifiable risk factors
- Unhealthy lifestyle: a diet high in salt, saturated and trans fats, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking increase the risk of hypertension.
- Obese or overweight: excess weight puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.
- Stress: chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Certain medical conditions: diabetes, kidney disease and sleep apnea can increase the risk of hypertension.
- Medications: certain medications, such as contraceptives, decongestants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can increase blood pressure.
Symptoms of high blood pressure
As mentioned, high blood pressure is often asymptomatic. However, in severe or advanced cases, the following symptoms may occur:
- Severe headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Fatigue
- Vision problems
- Palpitations
It is important to remember that these symptoms are not specific to hypertension and may be caused by other conditions. Therefore, regular blood pressure measurement is crucial for early diagnosis.
Diagnosing High Blood Pressure
The only sure way to diagnose high blood pressure is by measuring blood pressure. This is done with a sphygmomanometer, a device that measures blood pressure in the arteries.
Your doctor will measure your blood pressure several times on different days to confirm the diagnosis. He or she may also recommend blood, urine and other tests to assess your general health and to identify possible secondary causes of hypertension.
Managing and treating high blood pressure
Managing high blood pressure usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.
Lifestyle changes
- Healthy diet: adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products, and low in salt, saturated fat and trans fats (such as the DASH diet) can help lower blood pressure.
- Regular physical activity: getting at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week can lower blood pressure.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: losing even a small amount of weight can have a significant impact on blood pressure.
- Limit alcohol: drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure.
- Quit smoking: smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Stress management: relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing can help reduce stress.
Medically
If lifestyle changes are not enough to control your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe antihypertensive medication. There are several types of medication available, each with different mechanisms of action. Your doctor will choose the drug or combination of drugs that is right for you, depending on your health and other factors.
It is important to take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor and not to stop taking them without first consulting a specialist.
Internal medicine at Elytis: an integrated approach to health
At Elytis, internal medicine plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and effective management of high blood pressure. Our team of experienced internal medicine physicians provides an integrated approach to health, focusing on:
- Detailed clinical assessment: the internist reviews your medical history, lifestyle and risk factors to fully understand the causes of high blood pressure.
- Early and accurate diagnosis: by investigating the symptoms and correlating them with laboratory tests and imaging, we establish a correct diagnosis at an early stage.
- Chronic disease management: hypertension is addressed with a complex and personalized therapeutic plan tailored to the individual needs of each patient.
- Prevention and health education: we promote the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, provide advice on nutrition, physical activity and maintaining an optimal weight, helping to reduce risks and improve long-term quality of life.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: depending on the needs, the internist works closely with specialists in cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology and other specialties, thus ensuring a holistic and comprehensive approach.
Why Elytis?
- Team of experts: our internists have extensive experience and are continually updating their knowledge and keeping up to date with the latest protocols and medical guidelines in the management of high blood pressure.
- Modern technology: state-of-the-art equipment for laboratory tests and imaging helps to establish a diagnosis quickly and closely monitor the progress of treatments for high blood pressure.
- Patient-oriented: we listen to you, answer your questions and make sure you understand every step of your medical care. Open communication and active involvement of the patient in therapeutic decisions underpin the trusting relationship we build.
- Long-term results: through regular monitoring, treatment adjustment and counseling, we ensure that your health is kept optimal in the long term, including effective control of high blood pressure.
Your route to better health at Elytis
If you're concerned about high blood pressure or want to assess your risk, here's how we at Elytis can help:
- Appointment and initial assessment: we set up an appointment to discuss your symptoms, medical history and any tests already done.
- Diagnosis and treatment plan: after evaluating the results, the internist proposes appropriate treatment options and recommends referral to other specialties if necessary.
- Implementation and monitoring: we keep a close eye on your health, adjusting treatment and providing ongoing support.
- Prevention and long-term follow-up: we give you prevention tips and schedule regular check-ups so you maintain your results and prevent complications related to high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a serious condition that needs attention and proper management.
At Elytis, we are committed to providing you with high quality healthcare centered on your individual needs. Through our expertise in internal medicine, modern technology and holistic approach, we support you in achieving and maintaining a healthy and balanced life.
Latest medical review:
12.06.2025, Dr. Bianca Loredana Toader - Specialist Internal Medicine
References:
- "High blood pressure". NHS, 2024.
- "What is High Blood Pressure?". American Heart Association, 2024.
- "What Is High Blood Pressure?". National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2024.