According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 50 million Americans have hypertension, a condition that is preventable and treatable. Artery walls thicken and harden. And the elasticity or stretchiness in the arteries decreases, requiring the heart to work harder to pump blood through the arteries. As the heart struggles to pump harder, the muscle walls can grow larger. An enlarged heart can cause the heart to pump improperly, leading to possible fluid back up in the lungs.
Atherosclerosis can lead to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Kidneys, which filter waste from the body, are also vulnerable to damage as a result of high blood pressure. This condition can lead to kidney damage and failure. Eyes, too, can suffer the ill-effects of hypertension. The retinas may be damaged because of increased pressure in blood vessels in the eyes. Loss of vision may result.