The number one cause of death in adults is a stroke, which is a major physical event that can also lead to permanent disability and damage. If you are at risk for a stroke, it likely means that you are dealing with high blood pressure.
There are several ways in which high blood pressure can increase the risk for a stroke. At the office of Dr. Victor Gura, we specialize in internal medicine to help patients understand why they are dealing with issues of high blood pressure.
It’s imperative that you know what signs and symptoms to look out for. Look at our quick guide to learn more about the relationship between high blood pressure and stroke risks. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Gura for a wellness exam as soon as possible. If you are in need of an internist in Los Angeles, look no further!
Hypertension
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can do a world of damage on your body, specifically within your cardiovascular system. Unfortunately, many people suffer from hypertension for years without seeing any real symptoms. It’s important to not only listen to the signs of your body, but to also take precautionary measures to ensure that you are remaining healthy.
Some of the biggest risks of high blood pressure include:
- Irreversible damage to the arteries, breaking down its inner lining and becoming more susceptible to clots – which can lead to a heart attack.
- Coronary artery disease, which occurs when the blood can’t flow to your heart well enough.
- Brain damage, including dementia and a stroke.
High blood pressure makes it easier for the body to lose the blood flow it needs to keep it well oxidated and alive, which kills off cells in those areas.
Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke
According to Heart.org, strokes can happen for one of two reasons:
- Blood vessels are trying to travel to the brain to deliver nutrients, but are blocked by a blood clot.
- Blood vessels burst inside the brain, which still prevents the brain from receiving its nutrients.
A stroke can appear suddenly and violently, and it can cause permanent damage to your body and brain. You need to see the symptoms of a stroke before it’s too late.We like to use the FAST system:
- Face drooping
- Arms weakening
- Speech is difficult
- Time to go to the hospital!
High blood pressure is the leading cause of a stroke, and one of the most dangerous – yet common – symptoms that American adults deal with.
How Do I Know if I Have High Blood Pressure?
Your doctor will be able to tell if your blood pressure is high if it measures over 130/80 for a consistent amount of time.
It’s important to remember that blood pressure rises and falls naturally, and there are some outside factors that can contribute to this scale, such as stress and mental health. If your blood pressure is always too high, your heart will struggle to pump out the amount of blood your body needs. This task will become harder and harder for your heart, ultimately leading to coronary issues.
Your daily life habits and overall health can also play a big part in determining your blood pressure. WebMD reports that patients should get several blood pressure readings in order to accuately determine whether they have high blood pressure.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late; Take Care of Your High Blood Pressure and Avoid A Stroke!
At the office of Dr. Gura, we understand how scary and complex internal medicine issues can be. When you’re dealing with the blood and the heart, you must be sensitive to your symptoms and be open to a number of treatments to help you get set back on the path of good health. If you have even the smallest worry in your mind about the state of your blood pressure, it’s time to make an appointment with your certified specialist.
Contact us online or give us a call at (310) 550-6240 to make an appointment.