Eye, Kidney, and Heart Enemy: Hypertension

Hypertension, that is, high blood pressure, is a disease that usually occurs genetically and after the age of 40. This disease, which is seen in one out of every two people over the age of 40 in Turkey, leads to serious problems such as visual impairments, kidney problems, and heart attack risk if not treated.

Yeditepe University Hospitals Internal Medicine experts gave important information about hypertension.
“Hypertension seen over the age of 40 is called 'essential hypertension'. The reason is the increase in resistance in the vessels and the heart's response to increased vascular resistance with high pressure. In another sense, it can also be called atherosclerosis. These patients receive medication.”  

It Can Also be Seen at An Early Age! 

Stating that hypertension may also be encountered at an early age, the Experts said, “This is a situation that should be taken into consideration. The reasons that may lie underneath should be investigated. The most common causes for this condition, called ‘secondary hypertension’, are renal and hormonal causes. There can be many causes such as kidney infections, stones, renal vascular diseases, abnormal functioning of adrenal gland hormones, thyroid gland disorders, as well as metabolic syndrome, which is a disease of our age. Metabolic syndrome is the presence of at least 3 of the conditions such as obesity, diabetes or predisposing syndromes, high uric acid, high triglyceride, low HDL (good cholesterol), and hypertension. Hypertension occurring during pregnancy and postpartum is also seen in women.

Regular Drug Use Required

“In secondary hypertension, treatment is performed for the cause. If it is not enough, drug treatment is started. Medications are usually used for life. Irregular use of drugs leads to serious complications, which can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure or even brain bleeding. In the long run, organs such as kidneys and eyes will deteriorate. Results such as heart failure, arrhythmia, and heart attack relief occur. Yeditepe University Hospitals Internal Medicine Specialists emphasized that healthy nutrition and exercise are an indispensable part of treatment regardless of the cause.

Press Coverage: aksam.com