Hypertension has long been known as the silent killer because it can lead to a number of life-threatening conditions while at the same time producing no symptoms of high blood pressure. Well known for producing such problems as hardened arteries and coronary heart disease, high blood pressure is less well known for the affect that it can have on the brain.
High blood pressure results in an inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood around the body and this can mean that the brain does not receive the supply of oxygen and nutrients which it needs, causing brain cells to die. If high blood pressure is left untreated the blood vessels in the brain can become weakened, rupture and lead to life-threatening bleeding within the brain.