Increased Strain on the Heart
When blood pressure is consistently high, it puts added strain on the heart muscle. The heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, leading to thickening of the heart muscle (left ventricular hypertrophy). This can eventually weaken the heart and increase the risk of heart failure.
Damage to Blood Vessels
High blood pressure damages the delicate inner lining of arteries (endothelium) over time. This damage can lead to the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) within the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to vital organs, including the heart. Atherosclerosis increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Risk of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. The combination of high blood pressure and atherosclerosis significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and angina (chest pain).
