The silent killer Hypertension is really dangerous

Heart experts warn: Hypertension should be taken seriously

High blood pressure is still perceived by parts of the population more as a discomfort and not as a serious disease. Heart specialists warn against this dangerous mistaken belief, because not in vain is high blood pressure in professional circles referred to as "the silent killer". Many people are unaware that hypertension is the number one risk factor in the development of fatal heart disease. Furthermore, long-lasting high blood pressure is responsible for irreparable organ damage. Heart experts clarify the risks.

According to the German Hypertension League, about 20 to 30 million people in Germany suffer from hypertension. The number of unreported cases is high. According to the association, this is because many patients do not know about their condition or simply do not go to the doctor because they underestimate the risks. In addition, about 28 percent of treated patients fail to maintain their blood pressure in safe areas. This succinct handling could avenge with permanent organ damage, heart attacks, strokes or kidney failure.

Hypertension promotes arteriosclerosis and thus heart attacks, strokes and permanent organ damage. However, many high blood pressure patients are not so serious about their illness - often due to ignorance. (Image: psdesign1 / fotolia.com)

Hypertension is underestimated too often

"Every second heart attack and stroke and every fifth kidney failure goes to the account of hypertension," write the specialists of the German high pressure league in a press release. Still too many people are not aware that hypertension is a dangerous disease. Also, the World Health Organization WHO shares the assessment of the high pressure league. It classified elevated blood pressure as the greatest global health risk. Due to increasing life expectancy, it can be assumed that this disease will continue to increase in the future.

What makes high blood pressure so dangerous?

According to the experts of the German Hypertension League, persistent hypertension leads to calcification and constriction of the blood vessels (arteriosclerosis). Also coronary arteries are affected. The danger that arises from this: The vessel is completely closed - it comes to a heart attack or stroke. Even a not completely closed vessel causes damage. As the heart experts report, the arteries and the heart are subjected to a higher pressure load due to the constrictions. The heart must therefore pump excessively to transport the blood. As a result, the heart muscle increasingly hardened and thickened, ultimately leading to a loss of performance.

Half of all heart attacks and strokes are preventable

In the long term, the reduced cardiac output is increasingly becoming a mortal danger, according to the cardiologists. About half of all heart attacks and strokes can be prevented if the blood pressure is adjusted well in good time.

The kidney also suffers

Another problem, heart specialists say, is that high blood pressure causes kidney damage in many cases. Otherwise, kidney disease could also cause high blood pressure. In terminal kidney failure, high-pressure patients only have dialysis as a treatment option. About 15 to 19 percent of all dialysis patients are dependent on these because they have not previously treated their hypertension sufficiently. "Alone 12,000 to 15,000 dialysis cases in Germany could have been prevented if the hypertension had been detected and treated early in these patients," stresses Professor Dr. med. med. Helmut Geiger of the German High Pressure League.

Why is high blood pressure so common?

Hypertension could theoretically be avoided relatively easily. Lack of exercise, overweight, unhealthy diet, stress and increased alcohol consumption are the main risk factors for hypertension, according to the specialists. These factors can all be avoided by lifestyle changes. If this does not work, you can also take antihypertensives. The German Hypertension League estimates that currently around half of all hypertensive patients are either ignorant of their illness, intentionally can not be treated, are not treated adequately or do not take their therapy seriously enough. (Vb)