This article is compiled by Sanjana Varma, a freelance writer of Proactive For Her.
The importance of heart health
Every February, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) marks Heart Month by raising awareness about heart health and urging people to reduce their risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease.
The increasing levels of stress in everyday life has led to an increase in heart diseases. High blood pressure threatens your health and quality of life. In most cases, the damage done by high blood pressure (HBP, or hypertension) takes place over time. It is imperative to learn the effects of high BP on your heart.
Can hypertension cause other problems?
When your blood pressure is too high for too long, it damages your blood vessels. Bad cholesterol (LDL) begins to accumulate along with tears in your artery walls. This increases the workload of your circulatory system while decreasing its efficiency. As a result, high blood pressure puts you at a greater risk for developing life-threatening conditions.
These can lead to the development of :
- High blood pressure and metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance syndrome)
- Low levels of HDL (or good cholesterol) in the blood
- High levels of triglycerides in the blood
- Large waist circumference or “apple-shaped” body
- High blood pressure What are the complications of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure (hypertension) can quietly damage your body for years before symptoms develop. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to disability, poor quality of life, or even a fatal heart attack or stroke. Hypertensive heart disease refers to heart conditions caused by high blood pressure. Hypertensive heart diseases include heart failure, thickening of the heart muscle, coronary artery disease, and other conditions.
Types of hypertensive heart disease
Narrowing of the arteries: Coronary arteries transport blood to your heart muscle. When high blood pressure causes the blood vessels to become narrow, blood flow to the heart can slow or stop. This condition is known as coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease.
Thickening and enlargement of the heart: High blood pressure makes it difficult for your heart to pump blood. Like other muscles in your body, regular hard work causes your heart muscles to thicken and grow. This alters the way the heart functions. These changes usually happen in the main pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle. The condition is known as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).
Long standing, untreated heart disease and high blood pressure may also cause complications such as stroke, abnormalities in rhythm and beating of the heart and in extreme cases, death.
Who is at risk?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the world. The main risk factor for hypertensive heart disease is high blood pressure. Your risk increases if you are:
- Overweight
- Do not exercise enough
- Smoke
- Eat food high in fat and cholesterol
You’re more prone to heart disease if it runs in your family. Men are more likely to get heart disease than women who have not gone through menopause. Men and postmenopausal women are equally at risk. Your risk for heart disease will increase as you age, regardless of your sex.
How to identify symptoms?
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition and progression of the disease. You may experience no symptoms, or your symptoms may include:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Tightness or pressure in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Pain in the neck, back, arms, or shoulders
- Persistent cough
- Loss of appetite
- Leg or ankle swelling
You need emergency care if your heart is suddenly beating rapidly or irregularly. Seek emergency care immediately, if you faint or have severe pain in your chest. Regular physical exams will indicate whether you suffer from high blood pressure. If you do have high blood pressure, take extra care to look out for symptoms of heart disease.
How to control blood pressure?
Lifestyle plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure. If you successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you might avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.
Here are some lifestyle changes you can make to keep your blood pressure in check -
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet
- Reduce sodium in your diet
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
- Quit smoking
- Pull back on caffeine
- Reduce your stress
- Monitor your blood pressure at home and see your doctor regularly
- Get support from your family and friends
Final thoughts
In this fast-paced life, it is important to prioritize one’s health to keep risk factors at bay. Heart diseases can be prevented with lifestyle modifications including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and monitoring stress levels.
Disclaimer - This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare practitioners before undertaking any changes in your diet or adding supplements.
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