High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because its early symptoms are so mild that people ignore them, mistaking them for normal fatigue or stress. However, heart experts warn that chronically high blood pressure can gradually cause serious damage to the heart, brain, kidneys and blood vessels over time. Let’s see what experts say about this condition.
What are the bad effects of high blood pressure?
According to Dr Ramakant Panda’s report, which appeared in *TOI*, he has worked in operation theaters and with patients for four decades, and has seen how high blood pressure silently and gradually weakens the body from within. According to the doctor, continuously increased blood pressure forces the heart to work harder than it needs to. Due to this, the heart muscles become thick and the arteries gradually become hard. This condition can eventually lead to serious problems like heart attack (heart failure), stroke and kidney failure.
What are its initial symptoms?
According to experts, a mild but persistent headache in the back of the head immediately after waking up in the morning can be an early warning sign of high blood pressure. Cascio et al. A study conducted by (2003) found that a sudden increase in blood pressure in the morning can increase the risk of stroke and other heart diseases. Additionally, feeling extremely tired or having trouble breathing easily after doing minor physical tasks can also be a warning sign. In the Framingham Heart Study, Levy et al. (1990) reported that prolonged high blood pressure causes thickening of the heart walls, which increases the risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death (heart failure).
What are the harmful effects of high blood pressure?
Doctors say that feeling a fast heartbeat in the veins of the neck, difficulty in concentrating, slow thinking process or frequent nose bleeding can also be a sign of increased internal pressure in the body. A 2020 report by the *Lancet* Commission on Dementia has cited high blood pressure as a major cause of dementia and reduced thinking ability. People often ignore frequent urination at night as a normal thing; However, experts say this could be a sign of increased pressure on the kidneys. Research outlined in the *Lancet Commission on Dementia* report of 2020 shows that high blood pressure is a major cause of chronic kidney disease.
What are the differences between men and women?
Symptoms of this disease can appear differently in men and women. Ji et al, published in *JAMA Cardiology*. According to a study by (2020), blood pressure can increase rapidly in women after menopause, putting them at higher risk of stroke and heart failure. In contrast, high blood pressure in men often starts at a younger age and usually results in serious problems like heart attack.
