Where does high blood pressure do damage?

High blood pressure affects the entire circulatory system, but the damage it causes is not evenly distributed. Over time, persistently raised pressure places strain on blood vessels and organs that rely on a steady, well-regulated blood supply. Because this damage often develops slowly and silently, many people are unaware of it until problems appear.

The arteries and blood vessels

The earliest and most widespread damage from high blood pressure occurs in the arteries. Constant high pressure can cause artery walls to thicken, stiffen, and lose elasticity. This makes it harder for blood to flow smoothly and increases the risk of narrowing, blockages, and vessel injury throughout the body.

The heart

The heart must work harder to pump blood against increased resistance. Over time, this can cause the heart muscle to thicken and enlarge, particularly the left ventricle. While this initially helps the heart cope, it eventually reduces efficiency and increases the risk of heart failure, irregular rhythms, and heart attacks.

The brain

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for strokes and transient ischaemic attacks (often called mini-strokes). Damaged or narrowed blood vessels in the brain are more likely to block or rupture. Long-term high blood pressure is also linked to cognitive decline and vascular forms of dementia.

The kidneys

The kidneys filter waste from the blood through tiny, delicate blood vessels. High blood pressure can damage these vessels, reducing the kidneys’ ability to filter properly. This may lead to fluid retention, electrolyte imbalances, and progressive kidney disease. Kidney damage can in turn worsen blood pressure, creating a harmful cycle.

The eyes

The small blood vessels in the eyes are particularly sensitive to pressure changes. Long-standing high blood pressure can damage the retina, a condition known as hypertensive retinopathy. This may lead to blurred vision, visual disturbances, or permanent vision loss in severe cases.

The circulation to other organs

High blood pressure can impair blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body, including the legs, digestive system, and reproductive organs. Reduced circulation may contribute to pain, reduced function, and slower healing.

Why damage often goes unnoticed

Many people feel completely well while this damage is developing. Unlike pain or infection, high blood pressure rarely causes obvious warning signs in its early stages. This is why routine measurement is so important, even when you feel healthy.

Where does chest pain usually come from?

Chest pain can originate from several different structures within the chest, not just the heart. While heart-related causes are the most concerning, many episodes of chest pain arise from muscles, joints, the lungs, the digestive system, or even stress-related responses.

The heart

Pain originating from the heart is typically linked to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This type of pain is often described as pressure, tightness, heaviness, or a squeezing sensation rather than a sharp pain. It may spread to the arm, neck, jaw, or back and is more likely during physical exertion or emotional stress.

The muscles and chest wall

Muscular or chest wall pain is one of the most common non-cardiac causes of chest discomfort. It often results from strain, injury, posture, or inflammation of the muscles and joints between the ribs. This pain is usually sharp or aching and can often be reproduced or worsened by movement, touch, or deep breathing.

The lungs and surrounding tissues

The lungs themselves do not feel pain, but the tissues around them do. Inflammation or irritation of the lining of the lungs can cause chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing. Shortness of breath or respiratory symptoms may also be present.

The digestive system

The oesophagus and stomach can also be sources of chest pain. Acid reflux, spasms of the oesophagus, or irritation of the upper digestive tract can produce burning or pressure-like sensations that mimic heart pain. This discomfort may be related to meals, posture, or lying down.

Nerves and referred pain

Nerve irritation or compression can cause chest pain that feels sharp, shooting, or burning. Pain may originate in the neck, spine, or shoulder and be felt in the chest. This is known as referred pain and can sometimes be mistaken for a heart problem.

Stress and anxiety responses

Emotional stress and anxiety can trigger real physical chest pain through muscle tension, rapid breathing, and heightened nervous system activity. Although this pain is not caused by heart disease, it can feel intense and frightening.

Why identifying the source matters

Because chest pain has many possible origins, understanding its characteristics — such as location, triggers, duration, and associated symptoms — is important. However, uncertainty should always be assessed carefully, especially if symptoms are new or severe.

Where do headaches actually start?

Although headaches are felt in the head, they rarely originate from the brain itself. Instead, most headaches begin in surrounding structures such as blood vessels, muscles, nerves, and connective tissues that send pain signals to the brain.

The brain itself does not feel pain

The brain tissue has no pain receptors. Headache pain arises when pain-sensitive structures around the brain become irritated, inflamed, or overstimulated. These structures then send signals that the brain interprets as pain.

Blood vessels around the brain

Changes in blood vessel tone — including dilation, constriction, or inflammation — are involved in many types of headaches. These vascular changes can activate nearby pain receptors and contribute to throbbing or pressure-like sensations.

Muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders

Tension or strain in the muscles of the scalp, neck, and shoulders is a very common source of headache pain. Poor posture, stress, prolonged screen use, or muscle fatigue can lead to tightness that radiates pain into the head.

Nerves supplying the head and face

Several major nerves carry sensation from the head and face. Irritation or sensitisation of these nerves can cause sharp, burning, or stabbing headache pain, sometimes affecting one side of the head more than the other.

The sinuses and facial structures

Inflammation or pressure within the sinuses can trigger pain in the forehead, cheeks, behind the eyes, or upper teeth. This pain is often worsened by bending forward or changes in head position.

The neck and upper spine

Problems in the neck joints, discs, or supporting muscles can refer pain into the head. These cervicogenic headaches often start in the neck and spread upward toward the scalp or behind the eyes.

Why headache pain can feel widespread

Because pain signals from different head and neck structures converge in shared pathways, the brain may interpret pain as coming from a larger area than its true origin. This is why headaches can feel diffuse, shifting, or difficult to localise.

Where does dizziness come from in the body?

Dizziness is not a condition in itself but a symptom that can arise from several different systems in the body. It may feel like lightheadedness, spinning, imbalance, or a sense of disconnection. Understanding where dizziness originates helps narrow down the likely cause.

The inner ear (balance system)

One of the most common sources of dizziness is the inner ear, which contains structures responsible for balance and spatial awareness. When these structures are disrupted, signals sent to the brain become inaccurate, leading to sensations of spinning or unsteadiness.

The brain and nervous system

The brain integrates information from the eyes, inner ears, and body to maintain balance. Problems affecting this integration — such as reduced blood flow, inflammation, or nerve signalling changes — can result in dizziness or poor coordination.

Blood pressure and circulation

Dizziness can occur when blood flow to the brain temporarily drops. This may happen with sudden position changes, dehydration, or fluctuations in blood pressure. Reduced oxygen delivery can cause lightheadedness or near-fainting sensations.

Blood sugar regulation

Low or rapidly changing blood sugar levels can affect brain function and lead to dizziness, shakiness, or confusion. This is particularly common in people with irregular eating patterns or blood sugar dysregulation.

The heart and rhythm disturbances

Irregular heart rhythms or reduced pumping efficiency can impair consistent blood flow to the brain. This may produce dizziness, weakness, or a feeling of impending fainting, especially during exertion.

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Inadequate fluid intake or imbalances in key electrolytes can interfere with nerve and muscle function. This may contribute to dizziness, fatigue, or poor concentration.

Vision and sensory mismatch

The balance system relies heavily on visual input. Sudden changes in vision, eye strain, or conflicting sensory information can create a mismatch that the brain interprets as dizziness.

Why dizziness can be hard to pinpoint

Because balance depends on multiple systems working together, dizziness often has more than one contributing factor. This overlap can make the origin difficult to identify without considering the full clinical picture.

Where can infections spread inside the body?

Infections can begin in one part of the body and, in some cases, spread to other areas. How far an infection spreads depends on the type of organism involved, the route of entry, and the strength of the body’s immune response.

Localised infections

Many infections remain confined to the area where they start. Examples include skin infections, throat infections, or urinary tract infections. When the immune system responds effectively, the infection may resolve without spreading further.

Spread through the bloodstream

Some infections enter the bloodstream, a condition often referred to as bacteraemia or viraemia. Once pathogens circulate in the blood, they can reach distant organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, or joints.

Respiratory system spread

Infections that begin in the nose, throat, or lungs may spread deeper into the respiratory system. For example, upper respiratory infections can sometimes progress to bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable individuals.

Digestive system involvement

Certain infections affect the gastrointestinal tract and may spread along the lining of the stomach or intestines. In more severe cases, pathogens or their toxins can cross into the bloodstream, affecting other systems.

Nervous system spread

Although less common, some infections can affect the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. This can occur through direct invasion, via the bloodstream, or by travelling along nerve pathways.

Joints and connective tissues

Infections circulating in the blood can sometimes settle in joints or connective tissues, leading to inflammatory conditions that cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.

Why some infections spread and others do not

Whether an infection spreads depends on multiple factors, including immune strength, existing health conditions, age, nutrition, and how quickly the infection is recognised and managed.

Where does RSV affect the lungs?

RSV primarily affects the lower respiratory tract, particularly in infants, older adults, and people with vulnerable lungs. While infection may begin in the nose and throat, the virus can move deeper into the airways where it causes more significant symptoms.

Effects on the bronchioles

The bronchioles are the smallest airways in the lungs and are a primary target of RSV. Inflammation and increased mucus production in these narrow passages can restrict airflow, making breathing laboured or noisy. This process is known as bronchiolitis and is especially common in babies and young children.

Mucus build-up and airway narrowing

RSV triggers swelling of the airway lining and excess mucus secretion. Because bronchioles are already small, even mild inflammation can significantly reduce airflow, leading to wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Effects on the alveoli

In some cases, RSV spreads further into the lungs and affects the alveoli — the tiny air sacs responsible for oxygen exchange. When this occurs, inflammation can interfere with oxygen transfer into the bloodstream and may result in pneumonia.

Why symptoms vary by age and health

The impact of RSV depends on airway size, immune response, and overall lung health. Infants and older adults tend to experience more pronounced symptoms because their airways are either underdeveloped or less resilient, while healthy adults often have mild, cold-like illness.

Where does chronic fatigue come from?

Chronic fatigue is a complex symptom that can arise from multiple systems in the body rather than a single cause. It refers to persistent tiredness or exhaustion that does not fully improve with rest and may affect physical, mental, and emotional functioning.

Sleep and circadian rhythm disruption

One of the most common contributors to chronic fatigue is poor sleep quality or disrupted sleep–wake cycles. Conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnoea, shift work, or irregular sleep patterns can prevent the body from restoring energy effectively.

Energy production and metabolism

Fatigue can originate at the cellular level, where the body’s ability to produce and use energy is impaired. Blood sugar instability, insulin resistance, and thyroid dysfunction can all interfere with how efficiently cells generate energy.

Immune activation and inflammation

Ongoing immune activation — such as after viral infections or during chronic inflammatory conditions — can contribute to long-lasting fatigue. The immune system releases signalling molecules that can affect brain function, muscle performance, and overall energy levels.

Nervous system and stress response

Prolonged physical or emotional stress can keep the nervous system in a heightened state of alert. This can lead to exhaustion over time, particularly when recovery periods are inadequate or stress becomes chronic.

Hormonal and nutritional factors

Hormonal imbalances involving cortisol, thyroid hormones, or sex hormones can influence energy levels. Nutritional deficiencies — such as iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, or magnesium — may also contribute to persistent fatigue.

Medical conditions and medications

Chronic fatigue can be associated with a wide range of medical conditions, including anaemia, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and mood disorders. Certain medications may also cause fatigue as a side effect.

Where does weight gain usually start?

Weight gain does not usually begin evenly across the body. It tends to appear first in specific areas, depending on hormones, metabolism, genetics, and lifestyle factors. Where weight accumulates can offer clues about what systems are under the most strain.

The abdomen and waist

For many people, weight gain starts around the abdomen. This area is particularly sensitive to hormonal signals related to stress and insulin. Central weight gain is often associated with metabolic strain and reduced flexibility in blood sugar and fat regulation.

Hips, thighs, and lower body

Some people notice weight gain first around the hips, thighs, or buttocks. This pattern is influenced by genetics and sex hormones and is more common in women. While often less metabolically risky, it can still reflect long-term energy imbalance or reduced activity.

Upper body and chest

Weight gain in the upper body, including the chest and back, may be linked to stress, hormonal changes, or reduced muscle activity. In some cases, it can develop alongside fatigue or reduced overall fitness.

Why weight gain is not just about calories

Weight gain reflects more than simple calorie intake. Hormonal regulation, sleep quality, stress levels, inflammation, and metabolic health all influence where and how fat is stored. The body prioritises storage differently depending on perceived stress and energy availability.

When weight gain happens gradually

Slow, gradual weight gain often goes unnoticed at first. Small changes in activity, recovery, or routine can quietly shift energy balance over time, leading to steady increases in weight without obvious warning signs.

Where should I start if I want to improve my health?

Improving health can feel overwhelming, especially when there is a lot of conflicting advice. A helpful place to start is not with drastic changes, but with understanding where the body is currently under the most strain.

Start with awareness, not overhaul

Before making major changes, it can be useful to observe patterns in energy, sleep, stress, digestion, and recovery. These everyday signals often point to which systems need the most support.

Focus on foundations first

Basic factors such as sleep quality, hydration, movement, and stress levels have a powerful influence on overall health. Improving these foundations can create resilience and make other changes more effective.

Support the body, don’t fight it

Many people approach health by trying to force outcomes or suppress symptoms. A gentler and often more sustainable approach is to support natural processes such as recovery, balance, and regulation.

Make changes gradually

Small, consistent adjustments are more likely to last than sudden, extreme shifts. Gradual change allows the body time to adapt and reduces the risk of burnout or frustration.

Seek understanding alongside guidance

Professional advice can be valuable, especially when symptoms are persistent or concerning. At the same time, learning how the body works helps people take an active role in their own wellbeing rather than relying on quick fixes.