WEBVTT

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Permanently increased blood pressure
means

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that blood vessels, and certain organs,

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are constantly under greater strain
than normal.

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The higher the blood pressure,
the greater the strain.

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Over time this may cause long-term damage,
for example:

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• Persistent high blood pressure
can cause the blood vessels

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to lose their elasticity at an earlier age
than normal

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and eventually become calcified.

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This is known as vascular calcification
or arteriosclerosis.

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• The large blood vessels in the legs
and pelvic area may become narrowed

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due to the arteriosclerosis.

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This may cause
circulatory problems in the legs

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which may in turn cause

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peripheral arterial occlusive disease
(pAOD).

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• The heart comes under greater strain
in people with high blood pressure

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since it has to overcome greater resistance

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to maintain the blood supply
the body needs.

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Although this initially
makes the heart muscles stronger,

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over the long term
it can cause myocardial insufficiency.

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• High blood pressure
combined with arteriosclerosis

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can also increase the risk of blood clots.

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- If blood clots form in coronary arteries

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they can cause a heart attack.

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– They can also obstruct
blood vessels in the brain,

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causing a stroke.

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• The kidneys can also be damaged
by years of high blood pressure.

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It puts
the fine blood vessels in this organ

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under a great deal of strain
and they calcify,

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severely impairing their ability
to filter the blood.

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Blood pressure is not the only factor

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that determines whether these complications
are likely to occur;

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others include, for example:

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• age,

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• gender,

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• weight,

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• smoking,

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• diabetes mellitus,

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• high cholesterol levels in the blood,

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• and family history.

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Exercise und healthy eating can help
to lower blood pressure.

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If this is not enough on its own,

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treatment with antihypertensive drugs

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can also reduce
the likelihood of complications.

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In short:

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Constant high blood pressure

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increases the risk
of cardiovascular disease

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and certain types of organ damage.

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But the risk of complications also depends
on many other factors.

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It can be reduced by a healthy lifestyle

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and medication.