Risk factors: existing diseases that increase risk

Certain diseases, like diabetes, or damage to some of your organs can also increase your risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The adverse effects of high blood pressure on organs in your body are called “target organ disease.”

• Existing heart disease (Enlarged heart, heart failure, previous heart attack and angina. Previous bypass operation or balloon dilatation.)
• Diabetes
• Previous stroke, including so-called mini-strokes
• Kidney damage
• Damage to the retina of the eye
• Damage to the blood vessels.

(Dr Kathleen Coetzee, MBChB )

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Stress and hypertension