Quick answer
High blood pressure makes your heart and blood vessels work harder for years, usually without symptoms. It's a leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke, and the second most common cause of kidney failure after diabetes.Heart
It thickens and stiffens the heart muscle and damages arteries, raising the risk of heart attack, heart failure and an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation). High blood pressure counts as a form of cardiovascular disease.
Brain
It's the biggest risk factor for stroke, and over time it can contribute to memory problems and dementia.
Kidneys
It damages the tiny blood vessels that filter your blood, so the kidneys work less well. Kidney damage can raise blood pressure too, so each makes the other worse.
Kidney damage is silent
There's no pain early on. A urine test (albumin) and a blood test (eGFR) show how your kidneys are doing; ask your doctor how often you need them.
Kidney pain, stones or infections
These usually aren't caused by high blood pressure. Side or back pain with fever, or blood in your urine, needs a doctor.
Eyes
It can damage the blood vessels at the back of the eye. An eye exam can spot it.
The good news
Bringing blood pressure down lowers the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney damage.
Questions people also ask
Sources
- American Heart Association (Health threats from high blood pressure)
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (High blood pressure and kidney disease)
- 2025 AHA/ACC High Blood Pressure Guideline.
General information, not medical advice.