Milmedika

How common is hypertension?

Epidemiological data reveal a concerning trend: patients receiving treatment represent just the “tip of the iceberg.”

• Only half of individuals with hypertension receive a diagnosis.
• Of those diagnosed, only half regularly take their prescribed medication.

Proper risk assessment is only possible through a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s condition, with a focus on potential damage to "target organs," including:

• Heart
• Blood vessels
• Brain
• Kidneys
• Eyes

Which diagnostic tests are important?

To fully assess hypertension and potential target organ damage, healthcare providers recommend a combination of clinical examinations, basic lab tests, and the following diagnostic procedures:

• Heart ultrasound (echocardiogram) – Evaluates heart structure and function
• 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (Holter) – Tracks blood pressure fluctuations
• Abdominal ultrasound – Checks organs potentially affected by hypertension
• Carotid artery Doppler ultrasound – Assesses stroke risk
• Fundoscopy (eye exam) – Detects changes in the blood vessels of the eye
• Renal artery Doppler – Evaluates kidney circulation
• Microalbuminuria testing – Early detection of kidney damage
• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) – Assesses kidney function
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI) – Evaluates peripheral circulation

Why is early detection of target organ damage crucial?

Elevated blood pressure can cause early damage to vital organs, including:

• Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) – Thickening of the heart muscle
• Thickening of blood vessel walls – A precursor to arterial disease
• Microalbuminuria – An early sign of kidney impairment

The presence of target organ damage significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events, including:

• Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Sudden cardiac death
• Atrial fibrillation

Left ventricular hypertrophy is the most extensively studied form of organ damage. While early detection improves patient outcomes, more research is needed to determine whether reversing such damage reduces overall mortality.

Individualized treatment approach

Hypertension therapy aims to lower blood pressure and prevent further organ damage. Physicians tailor treatment plans by considering:

• Blood pressure levels
• Presence or absence of organ damage
• Additional risk factors and coexisting conditions

Effective blood pressure control can halt or even reverse early organ damage, improving long-term health outcomes.

Book your appointment at Milmedika

Assess your risk for cardiovascular diseases and begin hypertension treatment following the latest, evidence-based guidelines.

Our expert team at Private Health Clinic Milmedika is here to help you take the right steps to protect your heart, blood vessels, and other vital organs.