The causes of high blood pressure may be open to debate, but the effects of hypertension are well known. Hypertension can place an enormous strain on the heart, causing many forms of heart disease and heart attacks. Hypertension sufferers often have high levels of cholesterol. High blood pressure damages the artery walls, making it easier for cholesterol to build up and further increasing the chances for cardiovascular disease. Patients who have previous heart conditions will find that hypertension makes the existing condition worse.

Diabetes sufferers are another group who should monitor their blood pressure carefully. The chances of heart disease, strokes or kidney disease are increased significantly for diabetics with hypertension. Dietary controls are often used in the treatment of both diseases.

 

Prompt intervention is required to control blood pressure in these circumstances, often by both medication and by the elimination of possible contributors to the hypertension. Diabetes and hypertension are both conditions that can cause testosterone deficiency. If you suffer from TD share your thoughts on treatment options in this short, anonymous survey.

Birth control pills often raise blood pressure slightly when used over long periods of time. Usually birth control pills don't raise blood pressure high enough to be a concern. If hypertension develops in a woman using birth control pills, switching to a different method of contraception may be necessary. Women over 35 who smoke and use birth control pills run a high risk of developing hypertension.

In addition to exacerbating existing conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, hypertension puts one at risk for other health conditions. Among those hypertension health risks are:

Malignant Hypertension: Malignant hypertension is characterized by a sudden and dangerously high rise in blood pressure. Symptoms include chest pain, blurred vision and headaches. Numbness may also occur, along with seizures or sudden confusion.

 

The disorder can be life threatening, as the sudden rise in pressure can damage multiple vital organs. Malignant hypertension usually strikes people with previous histories of hypertension, particularly those with secondary hypertension caused by existing kidney disorders.

Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension is a form of secondary hypertension, often caused by heart and lung diseases. The arteries that enter the lungs experience high blood pressure, even though the rest of the body has normal, or even low, blood pressure.

Pulmonary hypertension can occur spontaneously, as a result of chronic lung disease, or due to HIV infection or intravenous drug use. Before the FDA pulled it, the "wonder diet" medication, fen-phen, caused pulmonary hypertension among other serious side effects.

Portal Hypertension: Liver disease, particularly cirrhosis of the liver often caused by heavy drinking or viral infections, can lead to portal hypertension. This secondary hypertension creates bulging varicose veins at the upper part of the stomach, which can rupture.

The bulging veins occur because blood flow to the liver has been restricted, and blood is forced to travel through alternate veins that are not designed to handle the heavy load. The strain placed on these veins can cause them to rupture. Ruptured veins caused by portal hypertension require emergency medical attention.

 

Resources

Jong, M. (2002, May 16). Understanding the link between hypertension and diabetes. HypertensionHelp.com Webcast.

Sorrentino, S. & Hausman. (1996, Jan). The effects of hypertension. Vibrant Life.