Hypertension, another name for high blood pressure, is what we refer to as a "silent killer." While most of us are aware that hypertension can hurt the heart, many are unaware that it can also harm the brain. The fact is that one of the organs most impacted by persistently elevated blood pressure is your brain.
When you know how hypertension impacts the brain, it will help you preserve long-term cognitive and physical health. Here, you might seek expert care from the best neuro hospital near you.
Now, this blog talks about how high blood pressure harms the brain, the signs to look out for, and the behaviors that can help stop or slow down these changes.
1. High Blood Pressure and the Brain
In order to function, your brain needs a constant flow of blood that is rich in oxygen (called oxygen-rich blood). It consumes 20% of your blood supply, although it makes up only 2% of your body weight. This indicates that your brain's blood vessels are always carrying nutrients and eliminating waste for effective working.
These veins get overworked and stressed when one’s blood pressure is too high. They deteriorate or get damaged over time, which has a direct impact on how well your brain works. Anything that interferes with blood flow can cause both sudden problems and long-term brain health concerns. This is because adequate blood flow is a must for healthy brain cells.
2. Hypertension and Silent Brain Damage
The fact that hypertension causes harm long before symptoms manifest is one of its greatest risks. The parts of the brain responsible for memory, decision-making, balance, and emotional control are affected by slow, silent changes if high blood pressure is unmanaged.
3. Hypertension and Stroke: The Most Serious Risk
A stroke takes place when a blood artery bursts or when the blood supply to a portion of the brain is suddenly cut off.
How stroke is caused by high blood pressure:
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It weakens and constricts arteries, increasing the risk of rupture.
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It increases the accumulation of plaque, which can obstruct blood flow.
- It increases the possibility of blood clots, which have the potential to reach the brain.
4. Mini-Strokes (TIAs) and Hypertension
Sometimes referred to as "mini-strokes," transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are brief moments in which the brain's blood supply is blocked.
The hazard persists even if the symptoms go away after a few minutes or hours.
TIAs are indicators that:
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The blood vessels are getting smaller.
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There could be blood clots forming.
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A big stroke might occur shortly.
The risk of both TIAs and complete strokes is significantly increased by hypertension.
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High blood pressure is associated with two primary types of strokes:
a) Ischemic Stroke. The most common kind occurs when a blood clot obstructs a blood vessel. Hypertension increases the chance of obstruction by hastening the accumulation of fatty deposits, or atherosclerosis.
b) Hemorrhagic stroke. This happens when a weak blood artery bursts. Because persistent high blood pressure destroys artery walls, chronic high blood pressure is the primary reason.
Mobility, speech, memory, and flexibility can all be negatively impacted by a stroke's acute and long-lasting brain damage. One of the best strategies for preventing stroke is blood pressure control. You might consult your expert at the best neuro hospital in Siliguri or in your location.
How Long-Term Cognitive Decline is Caused by High Blood Pressure?
Did you know that hypertension can gradually harm the anatomy of the brain even in the absence of a stroke? This affects the brain's ability to process and store information (through this progressive deterioration).
What truly takes place within the brain?
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Small blood vessels become more brittle and less pliable.
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The necessary nutrients are not given to brain cells.
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As waste products accumulate, cell activity is disrupted.
It causes cognitive decline over time, and it impairs the brain's ability to think, recall, and process information.
You might notice symptoms like:
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Forgetting things
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Difficulty concentrating
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Slower resolution of issues
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Having trouble multitasking
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Confusion at times of stress
Even though these changes might appear minor at first, if blood pressure is not controlled, they may get worse.
Hypertension and Dementia Risk
Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia are closely associated with high blood pressure, especially around midlife.
Vascular Dementia
This kind of dementia occurs when brain tissue is harmed by decreased blood supply, which is closely related to:
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Prolonged damage to vessels
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Silent motions
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Small strokes
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Decreased availability of oxygen
Symptoms you may notice:
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Issues with memory
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Having trouble structuring ideas
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Planning or decision-making difficulties
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Changes in mood or irritation
Alzheimer’s Disease
Though abnormal protein accumulation is a feature of Alzheimer's disease, poor blood flow brought on by hypertension exacerbates this process. The brain's ability to eliminate these proteins is hampered by damaged blood vessels. This situation raises the possibility of cognitive loss.
Here, one of the best lifestyle modifications for long-term brain health is blood pressure regulation. This has been shown to dramatically lower the risk of dementia.
Microbleeds: Small Injuries With Serious Repercussions
Microbleeds mean microscopic, pinpoint-sized brain hemorrhages that can be brought on by high blood pressure.
These happen when tiny blood arteries weaken to the point where they start to leak small volumes of blood. And, these wounds are small, but they add up over time.
Microbleeds are linked to:
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Loss of memory
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Issues with balance
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An increased chance of a significant hemorrhagic stroke
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Quicker deterioration of cognition
Microbleeds are typically detected by MRI scans; you cannot feel them as they occur. Because of this, blood pressure control is much more crucial.
Hypertensive Encephalopathy
When blood pressure becomes dangerously high, it is known as hypertensive encephalopathy. Hypertensive encephalopathy, a medical emergency. In this situation, the brain swells as a result of an abrupt surge in blood pressure, which can be brought on by abnormally high blood pressure.
Among the symptoms are:
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An intense headache
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Throwing up
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Vision issues
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Confusion
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Seizures
- Diminished awareness
Treatment must begin right away to avoid irreversible brain damage caused by hypertensive encephalopathy. Despite being uncommon, this illness shows how susceptible the brain is to variations in blood pressure.
Yes, hypertension is common, and its effects on the brain are sometimes overlooked. High blood pressure can have a major negative influence on cognitive health and quality of life, from silent vessel damage and microbleeds to stroke and dementia.
It’s essential that you modify your lifestyle, like eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, avoiding toxic exposures, avoiding alcohol, and limiting soda drinks. At the same time, managing stress is highly recommended because stress can play havoc with cardiovascular health and be responsible for inflammation. For expert guidance and care, you might visit one of the best neurological hospitals in Siliguri at North Bengal Neuro Centre.
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