High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. Some people may not find out they have it until they have trouble with their heart, brain, or kidneys. When high blood pressure is not found and treated, it can cause:
- The heart to get larger, which may lead to
heart
failure.
- Small bulges (aneurysms (AN-u-risms)) to form in
blood vessels. Common locations are the main artery from the heart;
arteries in the brain, legs, and intestines.
- Blood vessels in the kidney to narrow, which may
cause
kidney failure.
- Arteries throughout the body to "harden" faster,
especially those in the heart, brain, kidneys, and legs. This can cause a
heart
attack,
stroke,
kidney failure, or amputation of part of the leg.
- Blood vessels in the eyes to burst or bleed,
which may cause vision changes and can result in blindness.
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