Yes, high blood pressure causes the heart to pump harder to circulate the blood. In time, the heart muscles may tire from the added strain. High blood pressure contributes to hardening of the arteries, which causes blood vessels to become hardened, less elastic, and narrower. Injury of these blood vessels may cause damage to important organs-the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. This can lead to serious medical problems including heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and blindness.
Hypertension reduces life expectancy, and the higher the pressure the greater the mortality.
High blood pressure requires treatment and supervision by a doctor. In cases where blood pressure is only slightly above normal, treatment may not be indicated. The doctor may simply periodically check your blood pressure to insure that it doesn't go any higher. The physician may also include lifestyle changes as part of your treatment regime. If treatment becomes necessary, your doctor may prescribe drug therapy.