How does blood pressure affect cardiac function?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, imposes an increased workload on the heart. When blood pressure is elevated, the heart must exert more force to pump blood throughout the body. Over time, this increased effort can lead to a condition known as left ventricular hypertrophy, where the heart's walls thicken to cope with the added strain. If the pressure remains high, the heart muscle can eventually weaken, leading to heart failure.

In the context of cardiac function, it is crucial to understand that the heart's ability to effectively pump blood can be compromised due to the negative structural and functional changes that result from sustained high blood pressure. This significant connection between elevated blood pressure and the workload on the heart makes it clear why this answer accurately reflects the relationship of blood pressure to cardiac function.