Obesity has been linked to a number of other health risks, including hypertension.
Obesity refers to a condition in which one has a BMI of 30 or over. If left untreated, obesity can increase one’s risk of developing a range of other health conditions. These include heart disease; stroke; diabetes; breathing-related problems; and osteoarthritis. Another issue that has been linked with obesity is high blood pressure. Also known as hypertension, this issue can cause damage to the blood vessels, as well as a number of organs. Read on to find out more about hypertension, how it is connected to obesity, and what you can do about it.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition that occurs when one’s blood pressure is excessively high. When blood pressure is high, the arteries are narrow, which causes increased pressure and puts you at risk of issues like heart disease.
Hypertension doesn’t always cause symptoms, but if left untreated, it can cause the body serious harm. Possible signs of high blood pressure include headaches; shortness of breath; chest pain; and dizziness.
What is the connection between obesity and hypertension?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of high blood pressure. Obesity is one factor that can increase one’s risk of hypertension. If you are obese, it takes more effort for you heart to function as it should to pump blood throughout the body. This, in turn, puts excess strain on the arteries, and can lead to high blood pressure. Both high blood pressure and obesity increase one’s risk of other health issues, such as heart disease.
Other conditions that can lead to hypertension include obstructive sleep apnoea; thyroid-related problems; kidney disease; and certain congenital defects. Certain medications, as well as some illegal drugs can also increase one’s risk of developing high blood pressure.
How is hypertension treated?
When it comes to treating hypertension, your doctor may prescribe medications specially formulated to manage the condition. In fact, many people take medications to keep hypertension under control.
If you have both obesity and hypertension, it is advisable that you seek professional help regarding safe and effective weight loss. Weight loss surgery may be a viable option for you — a bariatric procedure can help you lose up to 70 percent of excess body weight, and can go a long way in improving your overall health.
There are a number of weight loss surgeries available, and the type that is best for you will depend on a number of factors, including your personal goals, your unique lifestyle, and any health conditions with you are struggling. The best starting point is to arrange a consultation with your surgeon so that you can discuss your particular needs and/or concerns and seek professional guidance towards a treatment plan that is most appropriate for you.
How can we help?
If you are considering weight loss surgery as a way to resolve health issues and improve your overall wellbeing, we encourage you to come in and see Dr Stephen Watson for a consultation. Dr Watson is an experienced and fully qualified surgeon and has been performing weight loss surgery since 1999.
Dr Watson offers a number of weight loss procedures. These include SASI-S; SADI-S; gastric sleeve surgery; gastric bypass surgery; gastric banding; and revisional weight loss surgery.
If you would like to find out more about any of these treatments and what they involve, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Watson, please get in touch here or give us a call on (08) 6311 7578. Dr Watson and his team are committed to working with each of their patients through the entire treatment process — from the consultation and surgery preparation, to the surgery itself, and the ongoing weight loss journey. Together the team will work hard to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals.
