Why Is High Blood Pressure Important?

Key points
- High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard.
- High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, the first- and third-leading causes of death for Americans.
- High blood pressure can also cause other problems, such as heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness.
High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard. It also makes the walls of the arteries hard. High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, the first- and third-leading causes of death for Americans. High blood pressure can also cause other problems, such as heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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