Other Damage Caused By High Blood Pressure

The dangers of high blood pressure are not limited to heart diseases and stroke. High blood pressure can damage other organs and cause other problems, including:

· Kidneys - Almost one-third of all cases of kidney failure are caused by high blood pressure.
· Bones - High blood pressure causes more calcium to be excreted in the urine, leading to a loss of bone mineral density called osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women are especially affected and may be at greater risk for fractures and other problems.
· Legs and feet - In people with high blood pressure, impaired blood flow to the legs and feet may cause a condition called peripheral vascular disease. People with peripheral vascular disease often experience leg pain, numbness, loss of leg hair, open sores on the legs, feet, and toes, and difficulty walking.
· Eyes - High blood pressure may cause damage to blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a disease of the retina.
· The brain - In older people, high blood pressure may cause a loss of mental function and contribute to decreased short-term memory and attention, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia, although the reasons why are not clear.
· Sexual drive - High blood pressure is associated with sexual dysfunction in both women and men. In one study, women with high blood pressure experienced vaginal dryness and difficulty achieving sexual satisfaction. About 17 percent of men with high blood pressure experience some form of sexual dysfunction. Some medications used to treat hypertension can also impair sexual function.