Effects of Hypertension on the Body

High blood pressure, or hypertension, has a dangerous reputation, but many people do not realize exactly how many parts of the body it affects. Besides the heart, hypertension also affects the arteries, brain, kidneys and eyes.

Arteries

• The inner lining of the arteries can become damaged by high blood pressure. The lining will become hardened, which may lead to heart failure, strokes, or aneurysms.

Heart

• The heart muscle may become weaker after prolonged high blood pressure. Eventually this will cause heart failure. The hypertension may also cause an enlarged heart, which increases the chances of cardiac arrest.

Brain

• Hypertension has been linked to mini-strokes, blood clots in the brain, strokes, and even dementia. It may also cause some cognitive impairment similar to dementia but mainly affecting language, memory skills and reaction time.

Kidneys

• High blood pressure commonly causes kidney failure, which may lead to dialysis or a kidney transplant. It may also cause an aneurysm in the kidneys, which could rupture and cause internal bleeding.

Eyes

• Hypertension can cause eye damage. Bleeding in the eyes may occur, as well as nerve damage and fluid around the retina. Ultimately, a loss of vision could take place.