Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, this elevated pressure damages the body’s circulatory system. This process sets the stage for a range of serious health issues, particularly those affecting the heart. Here’s more information about the relationship between hypertension and heart disease:
Increases Serious Risks
High blood pressure makes the heart work harder than normal. To cope with the increased workload, the heart muscle thickens. A thickened heart muscle requires more oxygen, but it may struggle to receive an adequate supply. This strain may lead to chest pain, also known as angina.
The constant high pressure also damages the delicate inner lining of the arteries. This damage renders the arteries less elastic and more susceptible to the buildup of plaque. As plaque accumulates, the arteries narrow, restricting blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body.
This narrowing of the arteries significantly elevates the risk for a heart attack or stroke. A blood clot is more likely to block a narrowed artery, which cuts off blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle or the brain. Hypertension is also a primary cause of heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs.
Causes Few Symptoms at First
One of the most challenging aspects of hypertension is its lack of early warning signs. Many people with high blood pressure feel perfectly fine and have no idea their health is at risk. Symptoms typically do not appear until the condition has progressed and begun to cause damage to organs such as the heart, kidneys, or brain.
When symptoms finally do arise, they may be mistaken for other issues. These may include headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds. By the time these signs are noticeable, the blood pressure may be dangerously high. This absence of early symptoms makes it difficult to detect the condition without regular monitoring.
Needs Regular Screenings
Because hypertension often presents without symptoms, regular blood pressure screenings are the most reliable way to detect it. A blood pressure reading is a simple and painless procedure. Screenings help establish a baseline and track changes over time. Your healthcare provider will recommend a screening schedule based on your age and risk factors.
Requires Lifestyle Changes
Managing high blood pressure often involves making adjustments to daily habits. These changes are designed to lower blood pressure and reduce the strain on your cardiovascular system. Your doctor may recommend a specific eating plan, such as one that is low in sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Other recommended lifestyle adjustments include:
- Engaging in regular physical activity.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
In addition to lifestyle modifications, medication may be prescribed to help control blood pressure. It is common for a combination of medication and lifestyle changes to be used for effective management.
Get Checked for Hypertension
Hypertension puts a long-lasting strain on your heart and blood vessels, which can increase your risk of heart disease. Because it often has no symptoms, many people don’t realize they have it until serious problems develop. A reliable way to monitor your blood pressure is to have regular check-ups. Talk to a healthcare provider about scheduling a blood pressure test and discuss your personal risk factors.
