How does long-term hypertension contribute to the development of heart failure?

Long-term hypertension contributes to the development of heart failure primarily by causing the heart to work harder. When blood pressure is consistently elevated, the heart must exert more force to pump blood against this increased pressure. Over time, this added workload causes the heart muscle to thicken (a condition known as left ventricular hypertrophy) as it attempts to compensate for the increased demand.

As the heart muscle thickens, it may become less efficient in its contractions. This inefficient pumping can lead to a decrease in the heart's ability to fill properly with blood, resulting in heart failure. The chronic stress on the heart from long-term high blood pressure can also lead to structural changes that compromise its function, making it more difficult for the heart to sustain an adequate cardiac output.

This understanding of the impact of long-term hypertension emphasizes the importance of controlling blood pressure to maintain heart health and prevent heart failure.