Is High Blood Pressure the First Sign of Heart Disease?

The term "heart disease" refers to a number of ailments that decrease the health of the heart or its associated blood vessels. High blood pressure is typically considered a risk factor for heart disease rather than a sign or symptom.

The Facts

• Heart disease--or cardiovascular disease--includes heart rhythm difficulties (arrhythmias), blocked or narrowed blood vessels, infections of the heart or its valves and congenital heart defects, according to the Mayo Clinic.

High Blood Pressure

• Blood pressure refers to the force exerted on the arteries by the normal flow of blood when the heart is beating and at rest. High blood pressure occurs when this force exceeds normal levels and creates dangerous stress on the arteries.

Effects of High Blood Pressure

• Over time, the stress caused by high blood pressure can damage the arteries, decreasing their natural carrying capacity and diminishing the heart's blood supply.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

• High blood pressure is a risk factor that may lead to the development of heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic and the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Heart Disease Symptoms

• Primary symptoms of active heart disease include chest pain (angina); weakness, pain or numbness in the arms or legs; dizziness; fainting; slow or racing heartbeat; and shortness of breath. Signs vary with the cause of the disease.