A 47-year-old member asked:
What is the significance of essential hypertension?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Brian Wittanswered
Specializes in Internal Medicine
Many organs effected: Think of high blood pressure as stressing almost every organ and vessel in the body (increases wall tension of vessels and increases plaque build-up). It is often called the "silent killer" because usually there are no symptoms but over years can result in cardiac disease, heart failure, kidney failure, decreased circulation in feet, blindness, and stroke.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. John Garneranswered
Cardiology 18 years experience
Long Term Things: If the blood pressure is less than perhaps 200 (on the top number - systolic) then the worries are almost all long-term issues. Damage to the heart, kidneys, and brain are all to be expected with chronic high blood pressure. Damage to other organs often follows these 3.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
CA
A 33-year-old member asked:
What is the significance of hypertension?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Martin Bressanswered
Internal Medicine 52 years experience
Very important!: Hypertension is major risk factor for stroke. It can also lead to kidney failure and congestive heart failure. Even severe hypertension may not cause any symptoms for years. Treatment is very effective but the challenge is to convince patients to take their medicines consistently to maintain good control and to visit their physicians to ensure that blood pressure remains at optimum levels.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 13, 2017
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