Other people have the same risk factors, yet their blood pressure remains in the normal range. It is a question echoed in the laboratories of several Ohio University researchers studying hypertension and the problems it can cause, including stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure. Akbar is doing research on the mechanics of hypertension and its related maladies. One in 10 American women age 45 to 64 has high blood pressure. As blood flows through arteries and veins in the body, it exerts pressure against the blood vessel walls.
Blood pressure is regulated by tiny arteries called arterioles.
If these arteries are restricted, the heart must work harder to pump blood to meet the body's demands. Blood pressure less than 140 over 90 is considered normal for adults. Over the last 10 years, Chapman's systolic reading has soared to as high as 260. The high readings mean Chapman's heart is working too hard, a condition that could damage her kidneys, increase her risk of heart attack or stroke, or lead to atherosclerosis, a hardening of the arteries that results from a build-up of calcium along the artery walls. Left unchecked, hypertension eventually can cause the heart to enlarge.