The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has designated the month of May as National High Blood Pressure Education Month. Stroke is the country’s fifth leading cause of death, with high blood pressure putting you at risk for a stroke, in addition to your age, family health history, and other factors.
Risks Associated with High Blood Pressure
Having high blood pressure puts you at a greater risk for stroke, heart disease, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease. During High Blood Pressure Awareness Month, people are encouraged to review certain lifestyle factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, such as high sodium intake and not eating enough potassium-rich foods. Maintaining a healthy body weight, getting regular exercise, and not smoking all help in the prevention of high blood pressure.
Vein Health and Blood Pressure
Many people may not realize they have high blood pressure until they begin having problems with their heart or kidneys. Having varicose veins can affect your blood pressure and your heart health. Varicose veins are caused by a malfunction in the flow of blood, particularly in your legs, where blood can flow backwards and pool in areas of your veins. This is called venous insufficiency.
Having high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can affect the inner lining of your arteries, making those walls less elastic and limiting the blood throughout your body. This can cause an aneurysm that may one day rupture and cause internal bleeding.
Vascular disease, or atherosclerosis, affects your blood vessels and arteries. The arterial walls thicken, leaving less space for blood to flow, cutting down on circulation. Treating vascular disease is important because plaque can build up in the vein walls and arteries causing kidney and heart disease.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein in the leg. This clot can cause swelling, pain, and a mild fever. The condition can put you at risk for a pulmonary embolism and other complications.
If you are concerned about high blood pressure or any type of vein issue, Dr. Amish Tilara, M.D. at the Atlanta Vascular and Vein Center is prepared to provide you with the most up-to-date, effective vascular diagnosis and treatment choices. Dr. Amish Tilara, M.D. is a Board Certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologist who treats all types of vascular and vein conditions.
Dr. Amish Tilara, M.D. is located in Lawrenceville, GA, but he serves the surrounding areas also, such as Duluth, Dacula, Buford, Grayson, Lilburn, Norcross, Snellville, and Suwanee.
This article is not meant to take the place of professional medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please make an appointment to see Dr. Tilara at the Atlanta Vascular and Vein Center or a physician in your area.
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