Hypertensive heart disease is a long-term disorder that affects persons with high blood pressure over time. When you don’t regulate your high blood pressure, it can lead to a slew of medical issues like heart failure and conduction arrhythmias (hypertension).
Hypertensive heart disease is caused by chronically high blood pressure (greater than 120/80 mmHg). People’s risk of heart disease grows as they get older and continue to have high blood pressure. People above the age of 65 are more likely to have heart failure.
High blood pressure puts a load on your heart, making it more difficult for it to pump blood. The thickening and weakening of your heart muscle might lead to cardiac failure. High blood pressure can cause the walls of your blood vessels to thicken, which becomes more harmful when cholesterol builds up inside the vessels. Then your chances of having a heart attack or having a stroke increase.
Men are twice as likely as women to have heart failure as a result of high blood pressure. People who control their blood pressure, on the other hand, can dramatically minimise their risk of heart failure.
Types of hypertensive heart disease
Your heart has to work harder to push blood through your blood vessels when you have high blood pressure. These problems can occur when plaque builds up in your blood vessels or a portion of your heart muscle enlarges as a result of high blood pressure:
- Coronary artery disease is a condition that affects the arteries of the heart.
- Hypertrophy of the left ventricle (enlarged heart).
Coronary artery disease is a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries that provide oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Plaque creates a constriction or blockage in the arteries, potentially leading to a heart attack. Chest pain or discomfort, as well as shortness of breath, are common symptoms. Treatments may involve dietary changes, drugs to address your risk factors, and/or surgery.
Left ventricular hypertrophy is a condition in which the left ventricle grows in size (enlarged heart). The walls of the left ventricle, the heart’s primary chamber, thicken due to left ventricular hypertrophy. The left ventricle pumps blood into the aorta (the body’s main artery), which transports oxygenated blood to all of your body’s tissues. The ability of your heart to pump blood into the aorta can be hampered by thicker walls in the left ventricle.
Who is at risk for hypertensive heart disease?
You’re at risk for hypertensive heart disease if :
- You have high blood pressure.
- You Don’t exercise.
- You Have diabetes.
- You Have high cholesterol.
- You Are older than 45.
- You Are overweight.
- You Smoke or use tobacco products.
- You Eat a high salt diet.
- You Drink alcohol.
What are the signs and symptoms of hypertension?
Many people are unaware that they have high blood pressure because it has no symptoms. Hypertensive cardiovascular disease symptoms typically appear after your heart has already been injured.
Chest pain is one of the signs of hypertensive heart disease. others are
- Breathing problems.
- Palpitations.
- Dizziness.
- Fainting.
- Stroke.
- Sudden cardiac arrest
Cure for heart disease and hypertensive heart failure:
You may need surgery to improve blood flow to your heart. Your doctor may surgically install a battery-operated device called a pacemaker in your chest if you require help regulating your heart’s rate or rhythm. Electrical stimulation from a pacemaker causes the heart muscle to contract. When heart muscle electrical activity is too sluggish or nonexistent, a pacemaker is necessary and useful. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) can be used to treat significant, life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is used to open up clogged arteries in the heart. This is only done if the CHD is severe. If your disease is particularly severe, a heart transplant or other heart-assist equipment may be required. Hypertensive heart failure refers to the failure of heart function due to hypertension.in such case replacement surgery, may be needed.
How can I prevent hypertensive heart disease?
If you’re over the age of 18, have your blood pressure checked once a year. If your numbers are high, you should get readings more frequently. Bring your blood pressure down and maintain it down if it’s too high. A blood pressure monitor that you can use at home can be purchased.
If high blood pressure is found early and treated, it may keep you from getting:
- Stroke.
- Heart disease.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Eye problems.
Other things you can do:
- Treat your diabetes.
- Treat your high cholesterol.
How do I take care of myself with hypertensive heart disease?
When you have high blood pressure, it’s critical to continue taking your medications to keep your blood pressure under control. You must also keep an eye out for developing problems and cure them as soon as possible. Conditions you must watch out for include:
- Ventricular hypertrophy.
- Atrial fibrillation.
- Angina.
- Heart failure.
CONCLUSION:
High blood pressure is a common ailment, although some people are unaware that they have it. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you must take the medications your doctor has prescribed. Preventing hypertensive heart disease begins with keeping your blood pressure under control. You can make positive adjustments in your life that will benefit your heart.