Hypertension why is it bad

Increased stress on the arteries also causes them to age faster, making them more likely to rupture and cause a hemorrhagic stroke or to develop atherosclerotic plaques, which increase the risk of ischemic stroke as well as heart attack. Most hypertension-related brain hemorrhages are spontaneous and occur in the small arteries deep in the brain.

Unless your blood pressure is sky-high, guidelines suggest first trying non-medical ways to lower it. These include:. There are many types, so your doctor may try several different kinds and doses until the right combination for you is found. Our expert explains why chronic high blood pressure is so bad for your body — and offers tips for lowering yours to an optimal level.

Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Trending Topics. What Parents Need to Know. Why Chronic High Blood Pressure Is So Dangerous Our expert explains why chronic high blood pressure is so bad for your body — and offers tips for lowering yours to an optimal level.

Share this article via email with one or more people using the form below. Send me expert insights each week in Health Essentials News. But high blood pressure can cause several problems, including:. Kidneys filter excess fluid and waste from your blood — a process that requires healthy blood vessels. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in and leading to your kidneys.

Having diabetes in addition to high blood pressure can worsen the damage. High blood pressure can damage the tiny, delicate blood vessels that supply blood to your eyes, causing:. The inability to have and maintain an erection erectile dysfunction becomes increasingly common in men as they reach age But men with high blood pressure are even more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.

That's because limited blood flow caused by high blood pressure can block blood from flowing to your penis. Women can also experience sexual dysfunction as a result of high blood pressure. Reduced blood flow to the vagina can lead to a decrease in sexual desire or arousal, vaginal dryness, or difficulty achieving orgasm. High blood pressure is usually a chronic condition that gradually causes damage over the years.

But sometimes blood pressure rises so quickly and severely that it becomes a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment, often with hospitalization.

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Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension's effects on your body. Products and services. High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension's effects on your body High blood pressure is a risk factor for more than heart disease.

By Mayo Clinic Staff. Open pop-up dialog box High blood pressure complications Close. High blood pressure complications High blood pressure can cause many complications. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Over time, this damage prevents the kidneys from doing their job properly. This is called kidney disease and can lead to kidney failure. High blood pressure is one of the major causes of kidney failure.

People with kidney failure no longer have the ability to remove waste from their body and will either need dialysis or a transplant. Hypertension causes damage slowly over a long period of time without noticeable symptoms.

You should also have your blood pressure checked and know your numbers. Blood pressure can be managed and being aware of your high blood pressure can help you and your doctor to control it better. High systolic blood pressure is a sign of high blood pressure, even if your diastolic blood pressure is normal.

This is called isolated systolic…. Feeling tired can be a symptom of heart or kidney damage as a result of high blood pressure. It may also be due to hypertension medications or….

Your circulatory or cardiovascular system serves a vital function by delivering oxygen and nutrients to all the organs and tissues of your body. What happens when your circulatory system isn't working normally?

Learn what diseases and disorders can develop and how to prevent them. Several factors can affect blood pressure readings, including eating, not eating, and diet.

Learn what can affect them and how to take an accurate…. Blood pressure can be different in each arm. While a slight difference can be fine, a greater difference may be a sign of a condition that needs…. It's known that Black Americans have higher rates of hypertension than other groups — but why?

Learn the causes and ways to treat and prevent this…. High blood pressure is often associated with few or no symptoms. Many people have it for years without knowing it. Learn more. Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce high blood pressure and even lower your risk of hypertension in the future.

Learn how garlic and dark…. High blood pressure readings are different for adults, children, and pregnant women. Learn which levels constitute high blood pressure for these…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.