High blood pressure: causes and consequences

High blood pressure and its prevention.

High blood pressure, also known as arterial hypertension, is amongst the most prominent health risks of our times. Persons over the age of 40 are particularly at risk of increased blood pressure if they live an unhealthy lifestyle. As we get older, the frequency of occurrence increases dramatically. Approximately one in every two people over 50 is affected by high blood pressure.

What causes high blood pressure?

The most common causes of hypertension are incorrect and unhealthy diet, obesity and also a lack of exercise. This means that a significant lifestyle change is often necessary to reduce blood pressure. There are various elements that can help combat high blood pressure, including weight reduction, a change in diet, limiting alcohol consumption and increasing physical movement.

And what are the consequences of high blood pressure?

The higher the blood pressure, the more the heart has to work to supply all your organs sufficiently. This can result in heart weakness, as the heart's power significantly decreases over the years as a result of the strain. But high blood pressure damages more than just the heart; it also affects your blood vessels. The increased pressure load can cause vessel restriction particularly in the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes.

If high blood pressure is not dealt with, a catastrophic process begins: the organs' and vessels' ability to function, as well as their blood supply, drop. This means the heart in turn has to work with even higher pressure to supply the organs. The result is that blood pressure rises even further. This means an endless cycle that can result in permanent damage if you do not break out of it.