What is one of the effects of high blood pressure on heart health?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, exerts excess force against the walls of the arteries. Over time, this condition can lead to serious health complications, particularly affecting the cardiovascular system. One significant effect is the increased risk of stroke and heart disease.

This increased risk arises because high blood pressure can damage the arteries, causing them to become less elastic and leading to the formation of plaques. Such changes can then result in reduced blood flow, and in severe cases, this can trigger a heart attack or a stroke. Additionally, hypertension can lead to an enlargement of the heart and heart failure as the heart has to work harder to pump blood against the increased pressure. Thus, the connection between high blood pressure and these cardiovascular events is critical for understanding heart health and the importance of managing blood pressure effectively.