What are the consequences of high blood pressure on blood vessels over time?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, exerts excess force on the walls of blood vessels over time, leading to significant structural and mechanical changes. One of the primary consequences of sustained high blood pressure is vascular remodeling, which involves the thickening of the vessel wall and alterations in its structure to withstand increased pressure. This remodeling often results in increased stiffness of the blood vessels, meaning they become less elastic and less able to accommodate changes in blood flow and pressure.

Increased stiffness reduces the ability of vessels to expand and contract effectively during the cardiac cycle, which can negatively impact overall cardiovascular function and increase the workload on the heart. These changes can also predispose individuals to cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and heart failure, as well as to increased risk of vascular events, like stroke and heart attack. The process of remodeling and stiffening of the vessels is a significant physiological response that worsens the condition of the vascular system over time in response to chronic elevated blood pressure.