What is the main consequence of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often referred to as a "silent killer" due to its ability to cause serious health issues without noticeable symptoms. The main consequence of high blood pressure is indeed an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. When blood pressure is elevated, the heart must work harder to pump blood through the arteries, which can lead to damage over time. This strain can cause the arteries to become narrowed or weakened, significantly raising the likelihood of cardiovascular problems such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Hypertension can also lead to other issues such as kidney damage and vision loss, but the most critical and direct consequences relate to heart health and cerebrovascular events. Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is crucial to reducing these risks and promoting overall cardiovascular health, making this connection a key component of understanding the implications of hypertension.