Hypertension increases your risk for severe health conditions, such as heart attack and stroke. However, you can reduce these risks by having your blood pressure in check and practicing heart-healthy behaviors.
A heart attack usually occurs when plaque accumulates in the coronary arteries, clogging them and predisposing them to blood clots. Blood pressure can weaken and damage these arteries, accelerating plaque deposition and slowing continuous blood supply to the heart. Eventually, this can cause a heart attack.
You can lower your chances of having narrowed arteries by keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in good shape. Treating high blood pressure typically involves a combination of healthy lifestyle habits and medicines.
Even with tightly controlled blood pressure, however, a heart attack can occur. That’s why it is important to be aware of the warning signs and what to do if you believe you are having one.
How much does blood pressure have to be to result in a heart attack?
Your blood pressure measures the force of your blood against your artery walls. It consists of two components:
Systolic pressure (the higher number): The pressure inside your arteries when your heart is contracting and pumping blood.
Diastolic pressure (the lower number): The pressure between contractions when your heart is resting.
They are both expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
A normal reading is less than 120/80 mmHg, as classified by the American Heart Association.
Blood pressure that is between 120-129 systolic and 80-89 diastolic is elevated blood pressure.
Any higher is high blood pressure (hypertension).
Even mild hypertension can begin to harm coronary arteries and cause atherosclerosis and heart attack. The worse your high blood pressure, the higher your risk.
Reducing your blood pressure—even by a small amount—does help. One 2022 trial discovered that bringing an average reading down from 161/84 mmHg to 144/78 mmHg reduced the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events by 23%.
(Note: A promotional link for blood pressure medication refills was present here but has been left out as instructed.)
Why does high blood pressure affect the heart?
High blood pressure may be inherited—40-50% of U.S. cases can be hereditary according to a 2017 study. Other frequent reasons are:
Age
Excessive alcohol consumption
Obesity
Inactivity
Smoking
Illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease
How long does high blood pressure take to harm your heart?
Infrequent peaks (due to stress, exercise, or medication) typically don’t do damage. However, if high blood pressure remains uncontrolled for years or decades, atherosclerosis and heart issues become more likely.
How long depends on the individual. Older adults, who are already at greater risk for heart attack, might experience damage ahead of younger individuals. Degree also counts—a 2019 study discovered:
Individuals with an average systolic blood pressure of 160 mmHg had a 4.8% risk of heart attack/stroke in 8 years.
Individuals at 136 mmHg only had a 1.9% risk.
The earlier you reduce your blood pressure, the higher your prospects of preventing heart damage.
4 Pre-Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Most heart attacks are accompanied by chest pain or pressure (several minutes or intermittent). Other typical signs:
Lightheadedness or fainting
Jaw, neck, shoulder, or arm pain
Shortness of breath
How to Lower Blood Pressure & Reduce Heart Attack Risk
Some can get along with lifestyle modification only, but most require medication as well. The major steps are:
Get moving at least 150 minutes a week (30-40 minutes most days).
Eat heart-friendly (such as a Mediterranean diet).
Take a moderate weight (check with your doctor).
Stop smoking (your heart health begins the day you quit).
Your physician might also recommend medications for blood pressure.
The Bottom Line
Controlling elevated blood pressure reduces your likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and more. Controlling cholesterol also discourages atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart attacks.