Health Threats from High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure threatens your health and quality of life

In most cases damage from high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) happens over time. If not detected and controlled, high blood pressure can lead to:

• Heart attack — The arteries can become blocked and prevent blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Stroke — Blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the brain to become blocked or burst.
• Heart failure — High blood pressure makes the heart work harder. This can cause the heart to get bigger and struggle to pump enough blood to the body.
• Kidney disease or failure — Damage in the arteries around the kidneys can stop them from filtering blood the right way.
• Vision loss — Blood vessels in the eyes can get strained or damaged.
• Sexual dysfunction — High blood pressure can lead to erectile dysfunction (not being able to have or maintain an erection) in men and may cause a lower sex drive in women. 
• Heart disease — Over time, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease. Angina is chest pain that is a common symptom.
• Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries) — High blood pressure can damage arteries in the body and allow plaque to build up.

View the consequences of HBP infographic: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF) | Traditional Chinese (PDF) | Simplified Chinese (PDF)

How can hypertension cause other health problems?

When blood pressure is high for too long, it can damage the walls of blood vessels, causing them to develop tiny tears. To fix these damaged areas, the body sends special cells that stick to the site. Over time, substances such as cholesterol and fats may also build up at these damaged spots, forming plaque.

As plaque slowly builds, a process called atherosclerosis, it can make the inside of the arteries narrower. This narrowing can block the flow of blood, increasing the risk for serious conditions such as a heart attack or stroke. 

Protect yourself

• Know your numbers. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. You can measure your blood pressure at home or at public places that have blood pressure monitors, but only a health care professional can diagnose high blood pressure.
• Learn what could make you more likely to develop high blood pressure and other serious health problems.
• Make changes that matter. Take steps to reduce your risk and manage your blood pressure:
  • Make heart-healthy lifestyle changes.
  • Take your medication as prescribed.
  • Work with your health care professionals.

High blood pressure and hypertensive crisis

Call 911 if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and if you are having signs or symptoms that may include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Back pain
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Change in vision
• Difficulty speaking
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Vomiting

If your blood pressure reading is higher than 180/120 mm Hg, you could be having a hypertensive crisis. Wait at least 1-2 minutes and then take your blood pressure again.

Contact your health care professional right away if your readings are still above 180/120 mm Hg and you aren’t having any other symptoms that may include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Back pain
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Change in vision
• Difficulty speaking
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Vomiting

High blood pressure and metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of factors that raise your risk of major health problems including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. High blood pressure is one of those factors. Metabolic syndrome may be diagnosed when you have three or more of these:

• High blood glucose (sugar)
• Low levels of HDL cholesterol in the blood (HDL is the “good” kind)
• High levels of triglycerides in the blood
• Large waist or “apple-shaped” body
• High blood pressure

View the metabolic syndrome fact sheet (PDF).