Hypertension And Stroke

Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the important risk factors for stroke which is the leading cause of death in U.S. Hypertension is called as a silent killer because it is the prime cause not only for stroke but also for kidney diseases, coronary heart disease, blindness and heart failure.

A stroke is also referred to as a brain attack and takes place when the flow of blood to a particular area in the brain is diminished. Thus, the cells of the brain do not get their oxygen supply and die vigorously, causing a permanent damage to the brain. People suffering from hypertension have 4 to 6 ties the chances of having a stroke. Hypertension causes hardening of the large arteries. This, in turn, causes blockage and weakens the walls of the blood vessels in the brain. Thus, they balloon up and burst eventually. The risk of a stroke is directly associated, to high is your blood pressure.

Prevention of Strokes- one of the most important thing in the prevention of the stroke is take adequate measures for lowering your blood pressure levels and the cholesterol levels. Those at a risk of stroke and heart attack can be recommended with aspirin or some other similar medicines to prevent the formation of the blood clots. Antihypertensive medicines can reduce your risk towards stroke. Some common antihypertensive medicines include beta-blockers, adrenergic agents, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretics, calcium channel blockers and vasodilators. If you have a family history of hypertension, it is better advised that you should go to the doctor and get your blood pressure checked regularly.

Risk Factors of Stroke and Hypertension

* Diabetes, obesity and hyperlipidemia
* Family history of strokes
* Heart diseases especially Atrial Fibrillation and Valvular Heart Disease
* Sedentary life style

It can be finally concluded by saying that hypertension is the important as well as treatable risk factor for strokes. Though hypertension does not show any specific symptoms, your systolic and diastolic blood pressure should be under control for preventing the occurrence of strokes. This is particularly more important to prevent secondary future strokes in people those who have already faced a warning sign of the stroke or the stroke itself.

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