Evaluating your likely current (and near future) state of health means taking into account the risk factors — such as blood pressure-lowering drug use — that affect you. Our medical diagnosis tool, The Analyst™, identifies major risk factors by asking the right questions.
Have you used medications to lower your blood pressure?
Possible responses:
→ No / Don't know→ In the past only → Currently using, blood pressure easily controlled → Currently using, blood pressure hard to control → Currently using, blood pressure not under control |
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) also suggests the following possibilities:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is usually a hereditary disorder, although incidence of this form of cardiomyopathy may also be higher in people with hypertension. [Hypertension 1994;24(5): pp.585-90]
High blood pressure can affect the vessels in the eyes; some blood vessels can narrow and thicken / harden (arteriosclerosis). There will be flame-shaped hemorrhages and macular swelling (edema). This edema may cause distorted or decreased vision and is a condition known as hypertensive retinopathy.
Hypertension is a risk factor for reduced circulation in the brain, sometimes called ischemic vascular dementia (IVD).
High blood pressure is the main risk factor for having a stroke and those with hypertension are 8 times more likely to suffer from stroke than those with normal blood pressure. Long-term high blood pressure narrows and weakens blood vessels, including those in the brain, making it easier for them to rupture or become blocked.
Gout is strongly associated with obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes.