Can hypertension cause heart attack?

High pressure inside the arteries can gradually injure their inner lining. Cholesterol deposits may then build within the artery wall, making the passage narrower and less flexible. A clot forming over a damaged or narrowed area can suddenly reduce blood flow to heart muscle, causing a heart attack. Hypertension may cause no noticeable symptoms, so a normal-feeling day does not show whether it is controlled.

Arrange a medical review if your readings remain high or you have stopped a prescribed medicine because of side effects. Keep a record of home readings, take treatment exactly as directed, and discuss salt intake, smoking, alcohol, activity, sleep and other conditions that affect blood pressure. Do not change a dose without clinical advice.

Call emergency services immediately for pressure, squeezing or pain in the chest, especially with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back or shoulder. Sudden severe symptoms need urgent assessment even if you have never been diagnosed with hypertension or the discomfort improves.

Ask which blood-pressure target applies to you, how to measure at home, whether your medicines need adjustment, and which heart-attack warning signs should prompt emergency help.