Understanding High Blood Pressure

摘要

In the maritime industry, one of the not-fit-for-duty designations that can hinder a mariner from sailing is uncontrolled hypertension or high blood pressure. Here is a quick explanation of how this condition creeps into our lives and some new research on how to help maintain healthy pressure in your veins. High blood pressure affects 75 million adults in the United States, roughly 30% of the population. It this condition, vein walls become hardened instead of being soft and malleable. The hardening causes blood flow to speed up as it passes through veins, which eventually impacts multiple systems in the body. High blood pressure raises ones' risk of heart attack and stroke. The lesser-known effects are inflicted on small arteries with a reduction in the amount of oxygen carried through them. They deliver less oxygen to organs, such as the eyes and kidneys, potentially causing peripheral vascular disease, renal impairment, retinal hemorrhage and visual impairment. Treatments for high blood pressure can lead to a reduction in cardiovascular complications.