“Can high blood pressure cause a heart attack?”
My blood pressure medication isn't working to keep it in an optimal level. I'm asking my doctor if I should change soon. But if I don't get this managed soon, can my high blood pressure cause a heart attack?
1 Answer
High blood pressure (HTN) and heart attack (AMI) often arrive in the same "ride-share" vehicle, and making the heart work (24/7, btw) against elevated resting and peak pressures in the vascular system will increase its workload, and thus its need for oxygen and other nutrients. The entire system is working harder and as with any machine--man-made, or hu-man--it can fail. HTN is referred to as "the silent killer," as its victim is usually unaware that the system is working so hard until something catastrophic happens--which usually means a stroke or heart attack. Each disease process carries its own risks, but the two together multiply these risks. Everyone should periodically check their blood pressure (like on a public machine in a pharmacy) or at their Doctor's on well-person visits or sick calls.
