What Are the Risks of High Blood Pressure Uncontrolled by Medication?
Overview
Hypertension, commonly called high blood pressure can be the cause of many significant health problems. Despite the fact that there are various medications and lifestyle changes that can assist in lowering blood pressure, this may not always work for all individuals. As a matter of fact, there are some patients that have high blood pressure that is not effectively controlled through medication or changes in lifestyle. When this happens, you are at risk for several complications, including disease and disorder of the body. However, there are some alternative remedies for dealing with uncontrollable hypertension, that can help reduce these risks and complications.
Possible Risks & Complications
There are multiple complications that can be caused by untreated hypertension. Risks of high blood pressure uncontrolled by medication include kidney disease, diabetes, hypertensive retinopathy, stroke, heart attack, aneurysm and heart failure. Some of these conditions can lead to vision loss and/or blindness, metabolic disorders, problems with memory and understanding, and permanent disability or death. The extent of these complications and risks can be affected by several different factors. This can include your age, whether or not you have any pre-existing health conditions and lifestyle.
Reducing the Risks & Complications
High blood pressure must be managed to reduce health risks and complications. With the advancements in technology, your physician may be able to offer alternative remedies. However, he or she may want to try other medications and changes in habits before embarking on these remedies. Those that haven’t done so already should consider making a few lifestyle changes. This can include eating healthier, exercising within your limits, quitting smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation and reducing your intake of salt and caffeine.
Alternative Remedies
If diet and medication can’t decrease your high blood pressure, the physician may recommend alternative therapies. Technological advancements have allowed for what is referred to as a blood pressure implant. These devices are somewhat similar to that of a pacemaker, but work directly on the body to help keep blood pressure under control. Comparable in size to an mp3 player, most types are surgically placed in the neck region. The surgery is minimally invasive and requires only a limited stay in the hospital. However, as of February 2010, this implant had not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Potential side effects have yet to be determined with this type of alternative therapy.
Other Considerations
There are many different remedies your physician may suggest for high blood pressure uncontrolled by medication. This can not only include changes in lifestyle and technologically advanced procedures, but herbal remedies and other natural treatments. However, it is not recommended to start or stop any type of therapy before first consulting with your physician.
Bibliography
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Mayo Clinic. 6, August 2010. Viewed 18, October 2010. https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/DS00100/DSECTION=complications
Hypertension Clinic. Department of Cardiology: University of Rochester Medical Center. Updated 12, October 2010. Viewed 18, October 2010. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/cardiology/patient-care/programs/hypertension.cfm
University of Rochester First U.S. Center to Implant Medical Device to Treat Hypertension. University of Rochester Medical Center. Updated 8, February 2010. Viewed 18, October 2010. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/index.cfm?id=753
