The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define high blood pressure as the force of blood pushing against the artery walls, which carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. It usually fluctuates throughout the day. If it remains high for an extended period of time, it can damage your heart and lead to other health problems. Usually, the damage created from high blood pressure takes place over time. If undetected and uncontrolled, the following symptoms provided by the American Heart Association can become more severe and frequent.
Heart attack
High blood pressure damages arteries that have the potential to become blocked, and prevent blood flow to the heart.
Stroke
High blood pressure can cause blood vessels to burst or clog easily in the brain.
Heart failure
Increased workload on the heart is caused by high blood pressure. This can cause the heart to grow in size, and fail to provide blood in the body.
Kidney disease or failure
High blood pressure can interfere with the kidney’s abilities to filter blood effectively.
Vision loss
Strain on the eyes and damaged blood vessels in the eyeball can be predicted if one suffers from severe high blood pressure.
Sexual dysfunction
Lower libido in women and erectile dysfunction can be symptoms of developing high blood pressure.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
This causes narrowing of the arteries in the legs, arms, stomach, and head. This does cause severe pain and disease.
Angina
High blood pressure can be caused by a microvascular disease. Experiencing chest pain is a common symptom as well.
According to the website Mayo Clinic, you’ll most likely have your blood pressure taken as part of a routine doctor’s appointment. Ask your doctor for a blood pressure reading at least every two years starting at age 18. If you’re age 40 or older, or you’re 18 to 39 with a high risk of high blood pressure, ask your doctor for a blood pressure reading every year.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410
