[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/11\/high-blood-pressure-strokes\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/11\/high-blood-pressure-strokes\/","headline":"High Blood Pressure and Strokes: How Are They Connected?","name":"High Blood Pressure and Strokes: How Are They Connected?","description":"Researchers have known for years that high blood pressure and strokes are connected. Hypertension also increases risk of mini-strokes and brain diseases.","datePublished":"2018-11-28","dateModified":"2025-01-16","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","name":"Heart and Vascular Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/heart-and-vascular-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/High-blood-pressure.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/High-blood-pressure.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/11\/high-blood-pressure-strokes\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Neurosurgery and Brain Health"],"wordCount":538,"keywords":["blood clot","high blood pressure","hypertension","stroke","transient ischemic attack","UPMC Stroke Institute"],"articleBody":"Researchers and doctors have known for years that high blood pressure causes strokes. The connection between high blood pressure and strokes is well-documented.But did you know that high blood pressure also increases your risk of having a mini-stroke \u2014 and can even lead to other brain disorders, like dementia?What Happens When You Have High Blood PressureHypertension, or high blood pressure, is known as \u201cthe silent killer\u201d because you don\u2019t feel, hear, or see any symptoms. When you have hypertension, the force of the blood pushing against your arteries is too strong. Your heart has to work harder than it should, which can damage your arteries and organs over time and lead to a multitude of health problems.Over time, high blood pressure can cause strokes and heart disease. Research also indicates that people with hypertension have more problems with their memory, including a greater chance of developing dementia.The Link Between High Blood Pressure and StrokesHere\u2019s how high blood pressure causes strokes: According to the\u00a0American Heart Association, chronic high blood pressure eventually damages blood vessels throughout the body. When that happens, arteries can burst or clog more easily. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted from a blood vessel that either has burst or is blocked by a\u00a0blood clot.A stroke can be life-threatening. When part of the brain is no longer receiving blood and oxygen, brain cells start to die.Strokes\u00a0can lead to impaired vision, language, balance, and memory. They also can cause partial paralysis or death.High Blood Pressure and Mini-StrokesA mini-stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), occurs when a temporary clot forms. The symptoms are similar to a full-blown stroke:Paralysis or numbness on one side of the body.Difficulty talking.Trouble with balance.Blurred vision.Confusion.Altered sense of taste or smell.High blood pressure can cause both strokes and TIAs; the major difference is how long they last.Mini strokes typically last only a few minutes. But because the symptoms are so similar, you should call 911 if a loved one shows signs of a stroke \u2014 even if their symptoms disappear in a few minutes.Preventing High Blood Pressure and StrokesThe best way to combat high blood pressure is to adopt a healthy lifestyle, get regular physical exams, and check your blood pressure periodically between doctor visits.Some tips for a healthier lifestyle include:Find a form of exercise you enjoy; it can be as simple as taking a 30-minute walk every day. And recruit an exercise buddy. You\u2019re more likely to make it a habit if it\u2019s something you enjoy or do with a friend.Manage your weight to prevent high blood pressure and strokes, which occur more often in overweight or obese people. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.Practice good sleep habits.Quit smoking; it is the number one risk factor for stroke.To learn more about hypertension and strokes, call the\u00a0UPMC Stroke Institute\u00a0at\u00a0412-232-8840. The\u00a0UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute\u00a0is also a great source of information about high blood pressure and stroke.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on November 28, 2018, and was last reviewed on November 21, 2024."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2018","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"11","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/\/11\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"High Blood Pressure and Strokes: How Are They Connected?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/11\/high-blood-pressure-strokes\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]