end organ damage from hypertension

Hypertension can cause cardiac damage, including conditions such as cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Renal damage may present as proteinuria and a decline in kidney function, potentially advancing to end-stage renal disease in severe cases. Cerebral damage can lead to cognitive impairment, stroke, and transient ischemic attacks. Retinal damage is marked by arteriosclerosis and hemorrhages in the retina, which can result in vision loss if severe.

The heart is one of the primary targets of hypertension. Persistent high blood pressure can increase the load on the left ventricle, leading to cardiac hypertrophy. If blood pressure is not managed promptly, it may evolve into heart failure, which can manifest with symptoms like shortness of breath and edema in the lower limbs. The kidneys are also major targets of hypertension. High blood pressure can injure the small arteries within the kidneys, resulting in a decrease in glomerular filtration rate and the onset of proteinuria. Without timely treatment, this can progress to chronic kidney disease, and ultimately to end-stage renal disease, necessitating dialysis or a kidney transplant. Hypertension can also impact the brain's blood supply, causing cerebral arteriosclerosis and increasing the risk of stroke. Patients may complain of headaches, dizziness, and memory decline, with severe cases risking cerebral hemorrhage or infarction. Lastly, hypertension can result in retinal changes, including arteriosclerosis and hemorrhages in the retina, which can lead to vision loss in extreme cases.

For individuals with hypertension, regular blood pressure monitoring and proactive control are crucial. It is also essential to periodically assess the functionality of target organs like the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes to detect and treat organ damage early. During treatment, patients should use antihypertensive medications as advised by their physician and make lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, adopting a low-salt diet, and engaging in moderate physical activity, to mitigate the damage caused by hypertension to these organs.