However, whether this is as a result of a particular tendency to hypertensive cerebrovascular disease in this population, or is simply a result of the poor access most of this population have to medical care, is unkown. Carrying too much weight is certainly one factor which seems to affect high blood pressure, and most GPs will tell you that if their hypertensive patients lose even a small amount of weight their blood pressure is easier to control. In most adults, blood pressure readings above the designated normal value will rise with time if left untreated. Statistical studies and actuarial data compiled before effective treatment was available show that untreated high blood pressure was associated with a decreased life expectancy of 10 to 20 years. So, it would seem that it is worth controlling high blood pressure by some means.
Untreated hypertension affects many organs.
In order to compensate for the increased pressure against which it has to work, the left ventricle of the heart increases in size by increasing the thickness of its wall. This will ultimately lead to congestive heart failure. Along with this there is increased atherosclerosis leading to ischaemic heart disease . Most deaths due to hypertension result from heart attacks or cardiac failure. The nervous system is affected in many ways.