Two numbers separated by a slash: 10/7, 14/10, 15/11… These readings reflect the pressure exerted by the blood on the arterial walls. When it is high, we speak of hypertension, a scourge that undermines the body, including certain organs and limbs.
The brain
AVC (stroke). Hypertension promotes a progressive thickening of the walls of the arteries of the brain. Which can go as far as the obstruction of the vessel, or its bursting.
Dementias. The thickening, stiffening, then obstruction of small blood vessels prevents the irrigation of cerebral areas and hinders cognitive functions, accentuating the risk of degenerative dementias related to the disease ofAlzheimer.
The eyes
Retinopathy. Through its action on the blood vessels, hypertension can impact the fundus of the eye. Asymptomatic, this arterial retinopathy sometimes leads to loss of vision in one or both eyes. Even if it remains rare, it is important to be followed by an ophthalmologist.
The heart
Heart failure. High blood pressure increases the work of the heart to maintain normal flow. Eventually, this development results in a thickening of the wall of the left ventricle, an increase in its mass and a loss of its contractility. The heart is then no longer able to pump blood to vital organs.
Heart attack myocardium. When the vessels gradually harden to adapt to hypertension, blood circulation can be interrupted, and heart muscle cells die from lack of oxygen.
Arrhythmia. Hypertension promotes cardiac arrhythmias, themselves providers of clots.
The belly
Rupture of the abdominal aorta. Under the effect of high blood pressure, the aorta (the largest artery in the body located in the abdomen) dilates and weakens, which can lead to the formation of an aneurysm, a kind of pocket can break at any time. The vital prognosis is then engaged.
Kidneys
Renal failure. By causing the progressive destruction of the nephrons by the obstruction of the small blood vessels, the HTA disturbs the main function kidneys.
Legs
Arteritis of the lower limbs. The stiffening of the walls and the reduction in the caliber of the arteries caused by hypertension are manifested by a cramps in the calf or thigh occurring on exertion and ceasing at rest. The muscles are no longer properly irrigated.