Hi Xraylady,

Let me give you a brief idea of what's going on:

High blood pressure increases the hearts workload by making the heart pump harder through the arteries. If the high pressure continues over a long period of time, the functioning of the heart and arteries (and other organs, such as the kidneys') gradually deteriorates under the strain. The added workload causes the heart to enlarge. If your heart enlarges too much, it may have difficulty meeting the needs of your body.

Arteries harden as a normal process of aging. High blood pressure speeds up this process. Hardened and narrowed arteries are less effective at delivering oxygen and nutrients to your organs. If the needs of your organs are not met, they do not work properly. Blood clot's become a risk as arteries narrow, cutting off the body's blood supply.

High blood pressure increases your risk for stroke, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and heart attack. High blood pressure combined with excess weight, high cholesterol, smoking, or diabetes, increases the risk exponentially.

There is no one set time for how long it takes for these complications to arise. Everyone's situation is different. I encourage your husband to work with his physician to treat his condition.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure