 High blood pressure means that blood is pushing too hard against artery walls. The force of this blood can damage the heart and the delicate inner lining of the artery walls. This damage can lead to many health problems. Show
One problem is atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries." This problem happens when the inner lining of an artery is damaged. Fat and calcium can build up in the artery wall. This buildup is called plaque. Over time, plaque can cause problems throughout the body. These problems include coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Arteries also carry blood and oxygen to organs like your eyes, kidneys, and brain. If high blood pressure damages those arteries, it can lead to vision loss, kidney disease, stroke, and a higher risk of dementia. High blood pressure also makes your heart work harder. And that can lead to heart failure, which means your heart doesn't pump as much blood as your body needs. Current as of: January 10, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Damage can build over timeThe excess strain and resulting damage from high blood pressure causes the coronary arteries serving the heart to slowly become narrowed from plaque — a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances. This slow process is called atherosclerosis. As arteries harden with plaque, blood clots are more likely to form. When an artery becomes blocked due to plaque buildup or a blood clot, the flow of blood through the heart muscle is interrupted, starving the muscle of oxygen and nutrients. The damage or death of part of the heart muscle that occurs as a result is a heart attack. Watch what happens during a heart attack. If you suspect you’re having a heart attackPain or pressure in the chest is the most common symptom of a heart attack. Other symptoms include:
If you experience one or more of these warning signs, call 911 immediately, even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack. EMS staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by a vehicle. People with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. Don’t let high blood pressure cause a heart attack:
Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. Copied! Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood and nutrients from the heart throughout the body. Healthy arteries are smooth and blood passes through them easily. But a buildup of cholesterol, fat, and calcium, called plaque, in the inner walls of the arteries can slow down blood flow, sometimes blocking it altogether. Clogged or blocked arteries, or atherosclerosis, can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, or even death, so it is vital to understand the signs and symptoms of blocked arteries. Symptoms of Clogged or Blocked ArteriesBlocked arteries can become too narrow and hardened to function properly. While you may have no obvious signs early on, symptoms can develop as plaque builds up in the arteries. The hardening and narrowing of the arteries is called atherosclerosis. It may result in chest discomfort, called angina, dizziness, or excessive sweating. This condition can lead to peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the legs and arms. Initially, PAD may cause pain and make walking difficult. When PAD affects the aorta (the body’s main blood vessel) or iliac arteries that carry blood to the legs and pelvic organs, it can cause aortoiliac occlusive disease. This disease develops over a lifetime with varying symptoms that include:
Do I Have Blocked Arteries?Some common risks factors for blocked arteries are:
Having more than one of these risk factors increases your chances of developing blocked arteries. For example, if you don’t exercise, you may become overweight or obese, which increases your chances of developing diabetes and/or high blood pressure. Your risk also is higher if your father or brother was diagnosed with heart disease before the age of 55, or your mother or sister received a diagnosis before age 65. When to Talk to Your DoctorIf you are experiencing symptoms of a blocked artery or have a family history of this disease, you should speak with our heart and vascular specialists. For an appointment at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, complete an appointment-request form or call 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484). Test for blocked arteriesIf you feel that you are experiencing clogged or blocked arteries, the doctor may suggest tests such as a cholesterol screening, chest x-rays, CT scans, or an ultrasound. We also can help you manage your stress, weight, diabetes, or high blood pressure, and quit smoking, which can help reduce your risk of blocked arteries. How Long Can You Live with Blocked Arteries?Many risk factors and bad habits can lead blocked arteries, and the effects of blocked arteries are usually only noticed once you have a problem. Therefore, it is difficult to say how long someone may live with blocked arteries. Complications from blocked arteries may be reduced by quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, monitoring blood pressure, eating healthier, and exercising regularly. TreatmentIf changes in habits and routines are not effective in stopping the complications of blocked arteries, your doctor may suggest medicine to help improve blood pressure or cholesterol levels. If symptoms are severe, causing angina or chest pain leading to a heart attack, your doctor might suggest a procedure to place stents in the arteries. In this procedure, the doctor places a wire mesh tube in the artery to increase circulation and prevent the artery from narrowing again. If your symptoms of blocked arteries have led to heart disease, doctors may encourage a bypass surgery. This is a more intrusive surgery and creates new passageway for the aorta by using another healthy blood vessel from elsewhere in the body. Editor's Note: This article was originally published on October 9, 2018, and was last reviewed on April 25, 2022. Would your blood pressure be high if you had clogged arteries?Blood pressure rises when the arteries are blocked and the blood can no longer flow freely. This is particularly pronounced during strenuous situations, as the heart must work even harder to supply the body with enough oxygen and nutrients.
What happens when you have hardening of the arteries?Hardening of your arteries can cause several problems. Narrow or blocked arteries can't deliver enough blood, oxygen and nutrients to the rest of your body. Blockages can eventually lead to tissue death or infection in your arms, legs or other parts of your body.
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Does hardening of the arteries cause high blood pressure
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