Hypertension or high blood pressure, a non-communicable disease that affects 1.3 million people in the world (WHO, 2019), is a condition of elevated blood pressure levels measuring 140/90 mmHg and above (JNC VII, 2007). The diagnosis of hypertension is made when blood pressure readings are at 140/90 mmHg or higher in two separate measurements at different times. To compare, normal blood pressure in adults is less than 120/80 mmHg.
Hypertension generally has no symptoms, so many sufferers are caught unaware and do not seek treatment. Although, when left untreated hypertension can cause dangerous complications in several organs.
Different Types of Hypertension Complications
The following are some complications of hypertension that can occur:
- Problems with the heart and blood vessels
Uncontrolled hypertension can cause damage to the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels, which will lead to complications such as:
- Heart attack
High blood pressure can cause changes in the structure of blood vessels, where the blood vessels in the heart will thicken and harden (atherosclerosis). This condition will increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Heart failure
High blood pressure thickens the walls and muscles of the heart, which results in the heart having to work harder to pump blood around the body. This condition will cause heart failure.
- Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery caused by a weakening of the artery walls due to high blood pressure. This is a life-threatening condition, especially if the aneurysm bursts or ruptures.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
This hypertension complication occurs when blood flow to the limbs, such as the legs, arms, stomach and head, is reduced due to damage in the blood vessels.
- Problems with the brain
One of the organs at high risk of damage from complications of hypertension is the brain. Some of the complications of hypertension in the brain are:
- Light stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
High blood pressure can cause arteries in the brain to harden, causing a blockage of blood flow to the brain.
- Stroke
High blood pressure can cause a blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain, which can interfere with blood flow that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
- Brain aneurysm
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to the weakening of the blood vessel walls, which can lead to brain aneurysms.
- Impaired memory
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can interfere with blood flow to the brain. This condition impairs the ability to think, remember, and learn.
- Eye damage
High blood pressure can cause weakening, narrowing, and even rupture of blood vessels in the retina. One of the most common complications of hypertension in the eye is hypertensive retinopathy. This condition is characterized by swelling and damage to the blood vessels in the retina, resulting in blurred vision or blindness.
- Kidney disorders
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause weakening and narrowing of the blood vessels in the kidneys, which will interfere with the organ’s ability to function properly.
- Sexual dysfunction
High blood pressure can result in restricted blood flow to the penis and cause erectile dysfunction in men, especially those with diabetes. Meanwhile, in women, hypertension can reduce libido (sexual desire or arousal), cause vaginal dryness and make it difficult to achieve orgasm.
- Bone problems
High blood pressure can lead to the excretion of excess calcium through urine. This condition can increase the risk of osteoporosis or bone loss, which is common in adult women.
- Depression and Anxiety
Anxiety is commonly experienced by individuals suffering from certain diseases, including hypertension. Excessive anxiety that interferes with daily activities is considered to be an anxiety disorder. If this anxiety disorder is left untreated, then the risk for someone with hypertension to experience depression will increase.