What can chronic hypertension potentially lead to?

Chronic hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, can lead to severe health complications because it places excessive strain on the cardiovascular system over time. Prolonged high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of several serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and vision loss.

The cardiovascular system is significantly affected as the heart works harder to pump blood against the higher resistance in the blood vessels, which can result in conditions like left ventricular hypertrophy. Additionally, the risk of atherosclerosis, or the hardening of arteries, increases, which can contribute to heart attacks and strokes. The kidneys may also suffer from reduced blood flow, leading to kidney disease.

Understanding these potential complications emphasizes the importance of early detection and management of chronic hypertension to reduce these risks and maintain overall health.