What Are the Dangers of High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition where the pressure in the arteries is higher than a predetermined ideal level, usually 140/90. The top number represents the systolic pressure, which is the pressure while the heart pumps blood. The bottom number represents the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure while the heart is at rest. While the precise causes of high blood pressure are unclear, contributing causes can range from stress and excess weight to genetics, salt intake and high cholesterol. The dangers of high blood pressure are discussed below.

Arterial Damage

• High blood pressure can be responsible for setting into motion two artery conditions: atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries begin to lose their elasticity and to become thicker. This makes it more difficult for the arteries to compensate for blood pressure changes and can drive the overall pressure upward. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty deposits collect on the damaged walls of arteries. These deposits make it more difficult for blood to move in the arteries, further increasing blood pressure.

Heart Problems

• High blood pressure can also lead to problems with the heart. Coronary artery disease is a condition when there is specific blockage to the arteries that take blood to the heart. This can lead to angina (chest pain). It can also increase the risks for a cardiac event, such as a heart attack. The overall strain that high blood pressure places on the heart can eventually cause enough muscle wear that the heart will cease to function properly or give out entirely.

Kidney Problems

• The kidneys are susceptible to damage from high blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage the arteries that supply blood to both kidneys, in addition to damaging the vessels inside the kidney. This damage can lead to kidney failure, which inhibits the kidneys from filtering waste from blood. This damage can also lead to scarring in the kidneys, with much the same effect. Although it is less common, high blood pressure can also cause aneurysms in the kidney.

Stroke

• A major risk involved with high blood pressure is the occurrence of a stroke or a mini-stroke. A mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack) happens when the flow of blood to the brain is disrupted briefly. Usually, this occurs as a result of atherosclerosis or because of a small blood clot. A full stroke occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is disrupted for a period of time. This loss of blood flow denies both oxygen and sustenance to the brain tissue, and kills brain cells. This can be the result of clots or aneurysms, both of which occur due to arterial damage caused by high blood pressure.

Cognitive Problems

• High blood pressure can also lead to the damage of cognitive functions due to compromised blood flow. The damage can be mild, with only some deterioration in the areas of language, memory and critical reasoning. However, the damage can also be extensive, depending on the degree of lost blood flow, and exhibit itself as full-blown dementia. Dementia is a condition in which memory, language skills, motor function and reasoning are severely compromised.