What are the long-term effects of hypertension on congestive heart failure?
Long-term effects of hypertension on congestive heart failure can include increased risk of stroke, worsening of existing heart failure, and higher risk of developing heart failure. Studies have found that systolic blood pressure can be a strong predictor of incident heart failure in the elderly, and that residual lifetime risk for developing hypertension remains high in middle-aged women and men. Further studies have shown that antihypertensive drug treatment can prevent heart failure in older persons with isolated systolic hypertension, and that morbidity and mortality from hypertension can be reduced with the correct treatment.