Hypertension Health Center

When blood pressure stays high over time, it can damage the body. HBP can cause:

  • the heart to get larger or weaker, which may lead to heart failure. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
  • aneurysms (AN-u-risms) to form in blood vessels. An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of an artery. Common spots for aneurysms are the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the body; the arteries in the brain, legs, and intestines; and the artery leading to the spleen.
  • blood vessels in the kidney to narrow. This may cause kidney failure.
  • arteries throughout the body to narrow in some places, which limits blood flow (especially to the heart, brain, kidneys, and legs). This can cause a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or amputation of part of the leg.
  • blood vessels in the eyes to burst or bleed. This may lead to vision changes or blindness.
Review Date: 
May 17, 2012
Last Updated:
July 1, 2013
Source:
dailyrx.com