Hypertension, or high blood pressure, does not directly cause heart attacks, but is a major risk factor for their occurrence. Over time, hypertension can damage the arteries feeding the heart muscle, leading to coronary artery disease and making a heart attack much more likely.

Hypertension

Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure above 140 and/or a diastolic blood pressure above 90. Systolic pressure is measured while the heart is pumping; diastolic pressure while the heart is relaxed. These pressures are measured in millimeters of mercury (mm-Hg) using the familiar blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope. Over time, the excess pressure of hypertension can damage arteries which supply blood to the heart, making them thicker, less flexible and more prone to coronary artery disease.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as atherosclerosis, is the build-up of fatty cholesterol deposits on the interior surface of the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. This narrows the space inside the arteries, restricting blood flow. These deposits, or plaques, can also rupture, promoting the formation of blood clots. The damage inflicted on the arteries by hypertension increases the risk of developing CAD, and makes the formation of blood clots in the arteries more likely. This is the link between hypertension and heart attacks.

Heart Attack

Most heart attacks occur when a blood clot lodges in a coronary artery and stops the blood flow. This starves the heart muscle of oxygen and will kill heart tissue unless the blood flow is quickly restored. A heart attack is much more likely in the presence of CAD because of the increased likelihood of blood clot formation, combined with the narrowing of the arteries.

Effects

According to the National Institutes of Health, about one-third of all heart attack sufferers in the United States will not survive the experience. Those who survive can have permanent and debilitating reductions in heart function. Some recover completely. Other complications of hypertension can include stroke, heart failure and eye and kidney damage.

Prevention/Solution

Hypertension often has no symptoms, so have your blood pressure checked by a health care provider at least once a year. Self-check machines at the pharmacy or grocery store can be used more often, but may not be as accurate. Keep your blood pressure under control with diet, medication or both. Work with your doctor to monitor and treat as necessary. Be aware that blood pressure tends to rise with age, and it may be dependent on other factors beyond your control.

Source:

NIH/Medline: Hypertensive Heart Disease

NIH/Medline: Heart Attack

NHLBI: Heart Attack Podcast Transcript

Resource:

NIH/Medline: High Blood Pressure