Final answer:
Long-term hypertension contributes to atherosclerosis, causing artery walls to thicken and stiffen, potentially leading to arteriosclerosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It's essential to manage blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medication to avoid serious complications like arterial blockage and heart disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Long-term hypertension, or persistently elevated blood pressure, causes various changes in the vessels that can lead to serious health issues. It contributes to the condition known as atherosclerosis, a process where artery walls thicken and stiffen due to the buildup of fatty plaques. This accumulation of plaques commences in childhood and slowly progresses, potentially causing arteries to narrow significantly or even become completely blocked, affecting blood flow. One of the body's initial responses to increased blood pressure is to dilate the artery walls to maintain adequate blood flow, but over time, as the condition deteriorates, it can result in a reduced lumen of the arteries due to plaque buildup.
The increased resistance in the vessels forces the heart to work harder, a condition known as arteriosclerosis, which diminishes the compliance of artery walls and can lead to coronary heart disease. Persistent high blood pressure can cause damage to the arterial endothelium, promoting further arteriosclerosis. Hypertension can lead to a range of complications, such as hypertensive retinopathy, myocardial infarction, heart failure, nephropathy, strokes, and even cognitive impairments like confusion and elevated sugar levels.
It's crucial to control hypertension to avoid these adverse outcomes. Lifestyle changes and medications play vital roles in managing blood pressure and slowing the progression of associated cardiovascular diseases.