High blood pressure is one of the three biggest modifiable causes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Shear stress damages the coronary endothelium and predisposes to plaque formation. Cardiac muscle hypertrophy and dysfunction as well as premature heart valve damage can also result. Hypertension damages the sensitive blood vessels in the eyes, the kidneys and the brain and is a leading cause of visual impairment, renal failure and stroke.
A wide array of lifestyle approaches and medications can be used to safely control blood pressure and mitigate the serious effects of hypertension. Monitoring and controlling blood pressure is usually a simple process. A blood pressure under 120 systolic and 80 diastolic is ideal, but medications are typically only considered when the average systolic exceeds 140 and diastolic 90 mmHg.