How long does it take high blood pressure to cause heart attack? hours, years, what?

Years: The problem is, most people don't know when their hbp began and have already been exposed for years when diagnosed. Also, hbp is only 1 of many risk factors. It is actually a more potent risk factor by far for stroke and congestive heart failure than for heart attack. (also kidney failure). Treating it lowers the risk.

Years: High blood pressure is associated with the development of atherosclerosis or plaques in the arteries. This accumulation of fat in the arterial wall takes years to develop.