Understanding the Dangers of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure (HBP), causes an excessive amount of pressure on artery walls. Uncontrolled hypertension is a very dangerous health condition. Untreated high blood pressure can cause a host of other medical problems.

Arteries

• Hypertension might cause arteries to harden and thicken, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This condition frequently results in a heart attack.

Aneurysm

• Untreated hypertension may cause the blood vessels to weaken and bulge, which can result in the formation of an aneurysm. Aneurysms can rupture and bleed inside of the body, a potentially life-threatening situation.

Heart Failure

• Hypertension causes the heart muscle to thicken in order to pump a higher volume of blood. The thickened heart muscle may fail if it has difficulty pumping enough blood to meet the body's needs.

Stroke

• Hypertension affects all arteries, including those leading to the brain. This can result in a stroke if the brain's blood vessels are under so much pressure that they burst.

Kidneys

• High blood pressure can narrow and weaken the blood vessels in the kidneys, which can prevent these organs from functioning properly.

Eyes

• Untreated hypertension can cause the blood vessels in the eyes to tear, thicken or narrow, which frequently results in significant vision loss.