High blood pressure is commonly referred to as hypertension. As blood pressure rises, the force exerted on blood vessel walls increases. This results in weakening of the vessel walls. Cardiovascular risks include plaque build-up and increased risk of blood clots, which raise the chance of heart attack or stroke.
Arterial Damage
The buildup of plaque in the arteries leads to hardening and thickening of the walls. This is known as atherosclerosis. Damage to the arteries can result in blood clots, stroke, heart attack, kidney failure or amputation of limbs.
Heart Failure
Hypertension can enlarge and/or weaken the heart. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, this can lead to heart failure, a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It can also result in inefficient blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Heart failure is serious and requires close monitoring.
Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), is a build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries. Plaque is composed of cholesterol, fat, cholesterol and other substances in the blood. Research has found that CAD begins when damage occurs to the inner layers of the coronary arteries, often a result of increased blood pressure.
Aneurysm
High blood pressure can cause the formation of aneurysms. An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery. As aneurysms grow they can rupture, resulting in serious internal bleeding and hemorrhaging. Often, they are fatal.
