High Blood Pressure
Alternate Names : Hypertension
What can be done to prevent the condition?
The American Heart Association guidelines to reduce high blood pressure
include:
for those who smoke, quitting
smoking
measurement of blood
pressure
in
adults at least every 2 years to screen for high blood pressure
medications to treat high blood pressure. These are recommended if the person's blood pressure is
greater than 140/90 after 3 months of these lifestyle modifications. They are also used if the initial
blood pressure is greater than 180/100.
moderate sodium intake
moderation in alcohol intake
physical activity
weight control
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to many serious long-term effects.
Damage can occur in the brain, kidneys, and heart. There can also be blood
vessel damage to the eye. High blood pressure can lead to serious health
issues, including the following:
arrhythmias, or
irregular heartbeats
atherosclerosis,
which is hardening of the arteries
chronic renal failure
that requires dialysis or a
kidney transplant
congestive heart failure, in which a weakened heart fails to pump blood effectively
heart attack
stroke, or a brain attack
What are the risks to others?
High blood pressure is not contagious and poses no risk to others.
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