Complications of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is called the "silent killer" because the condition has no symptoms, yet increases the risk of serious complications if left untreated. About one in three Americans has high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), and one-third of those people are unaware of their condition. A blood pressure reading greater than 140/90 mmHg requires medical attention to prevent complications.

Heart Disease and Stroke

• High blood pressure increases the risk for heart attack and congenital heart failure, according to the AHA. In people who also smoke, have diabetes or high cholesterol, or are overweight, the risk is even greater. High blood pressure is also a contributing factor in ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes and transient ischemic attacks, also known as a mini-stroke. Controlling high blood pressure combined with increased physical activity and good nutrition can decrease the risk for heart disease substantially.

Vascular Complications

• Blood vessels and arteries throughout the entire body, not just in the heart, are affected by high blood pressure. Weakened blood vessels can bulge and create an aneurysm, according to Mayo Clinic. Blood vessels can thicken, weaken, narrow or tear, causing or contributing to damage or failure of vital organs.

Cognitive Functions

• Complications from high blood pressure can include memory impairment and confusion. Over time, damage to the blood vessels can lead to vascular dementia, which affects language, logic, memory, vision and coordination. Cognitive impairment also can interrupt the ability to read and write and can interfere with reaction time. According to Mayo Clinic, people with hypertension are at greater risk for dementia later in life.

Metabolic Syndrome

• High blood pressure is one factor that contributes to a condition known as metabolic syndrome. Other elements of the disorder are high triglycerides, a low ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol, a large waist and high insulin. According to Mayo Clinic, high blood pressure in combination with other factors increases the likelihood of developing diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Kidney Damage

• Kidney failure due to high blood pressure occurs six times more often in African-Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health, and 25,000 cases are reported annually. Kidney failure becomes a complication of high blood pressure when the hypertension has been chronic for a period of time and blood vessels in the kidneys have been damaged. If kidney damage is detected in its early stages, the organ may begin working normally within weeks after the high blood pressure is treated.

Recommendation

• The AHA recommends that adults have their blood pressure checked annually. Since high blood pressure has no symptoms, regular screening is the only way to detect a problem and prevent complications from high blood pressure.