The link to stroke and dementia
By age 40, more than half of Americans have hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, often without knowing it. Although the condition rarely causes noticeable symptoms, it can steadily damage blood vessels and organs.
When left untreated, hypertension can cause heart disease, which remains the top killer [VL1] of men and women in the United States. Hypertension also raises the risk of kidney disease and, increasingly, dementia. Research shows high blood pressure can damage the brain’s small blood vessels, accelerating cognitive decline.
Patient stories drive home the stakes. George Solomon, a retired law enforcement officer, ignored medical advice to take blood pressure medication because he “felt fine.” At 63, he suffered a stroke.
“I went upstairs to watch TV, and when I sat down in the chair, I couldn’t get back up,” Solomon said. He lost feeling in his arm and leg before being rushed to Duke University Hospital. After treatment and rehab, Solomon estimates he’s recovered 80% and takes medication now. “I feel I’m on the right path,” he said.
Doctors say Solomon’s case is a common one. “There’s a really enormous preventive health opportunity in treating hypertension earlier,” said Jordana Cohen, a nephrologist and hypertension specialist at the University of Pennsylvania. “If you catch it early, and treat it early, you can end up with many more years of healthy life expectancy.”
Expert guidance
The American Heart Association‘s latest guidelines recommend action once blood pressure rises above 130/80 mm Hg. For people in the 130s, lifestyle strategies are the first line of defense: cutting sodium, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and managing stress with yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.