The Dangers of Untreated High Blood Pressure: Complications and Consequences

High blood pressure is a common and serious problem. It’s known as the “silent killer” because it often produces no symptoms for years. That’s why it’s very easy for high blood pressure to go untreated. The consequences of untreated high blood pressure can be deadly, which is why regular checkups with your family medicine doctor are so important. Dr. Laws at Family Care Clinic in Ennis, TX, provides a full range of family medicine services, including diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure.

What You Need to Know about High Blood Pressure

There are many causes of high blood pressure, including genetics, diet, weight, and aging. Regular visits with your family care doctor will include blood pressure checks, and if your doctor determines your blood pressure is elevated, your doctor will prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure.

A normal blood pressure for a healthy adult is 120/80. Any measurement over that is considered elevated and should be treated.

Blood pressure measures blood flow as it passes through your arteries. If blood encounters resistance, your blood pressure increases. This resistance is caused by fatty plaques clinging to your artery walls. A diet high in fat and salt and a lack of exercise can cause fat to build up in the artery walls.

If high blood pressure isn’t treated, serious consequences can result, including:

• A heart attack
• Heart damage
• Stroke
• An embolism
• An aneurysm
• Damaged blood vessels

You can take some important steps to lower your blood pressure. Remember to:

• Avoid smoking and limit consumption of alcohol
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a healthy diet, low in salt and fat

Your family medicine doctor in Ennis, TX, may also recommend medications to treat high blood pressure. These medications include:

• Diuretics, to eliminate excess water
• ACE inhibitors, to relax blood vessels
• Beta Blockers, to open blood vessels, which lowers the workload on your heart
• Calcium channel blockers, to relax blood vessels and slow down your heart rate

Protect Yourself from High Blood Pressure?

To learn more about the dangers of untreated high blood pressure, set up a consultation with Dr. Laws at Family Care Clinic in Ennis, TX. You can reach his office by calling (972) 875-6700, so call now!