What is the correlation between hypertension and heart disease?

Cardiac Sciences | Posted on 07/25/2022 by Dr. Kuldeep Chittora

Introduction

Did you know that hypertension and heart disease are interlinked to each other to some extent? Yes, these are the disorders that often coexist. It is important to understand the intricate association between these two to maintain cardiovascular health and overall well-being. You must also be mindful of the symptoms of hypertension and heart disorders. If you suspect that you might suffer from hypertension or any heart condition, then make sure to book your appointment with CK Birla Hospitals in Jaipur, one of the best multispeciality healthcare services. With the assistance of highly skilled and talented healthcare professionals, you will find the proper diagnosis and the right treatment solution for your condition. Hence, you will find a comprehensive discussion on this topic in this blog. Kindly understand that this write-up is for information only and we do not in any way intervene in the doctor’s consultation. 

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is a condition in which blood flows with a lot of force that is against the artery walls; commonly it is known as high blood pressure. Two numbers represent the blood pressure the first is known as the systolic number which shows the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart contracts while the diastolic number shows the pressure when the heart rests between the beats. 

Normal blood pressure is usually 120/ 80 mmHg and blood pressure above it is considered high blood pressure for example 180/120 mmHg. Prolonged condition of hypertension increases the risk of developing heart disease or stroke because the constant high blood pressure damages the inner lining of the artery and puts a lot of pressure on the heart. This type of damage to the artery wall makes arteries more susceptible to plaque ( which is the deposition of cholesterol caused due to high blood cholesterol levels). It causes blockage which further reduces the blood flow; as a result, it leads to a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke.

What are Heart Diseases?

Heart diseases also known as cardiovascular diseases, are a bunch of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. These diseases are a primary reason for morbidity and mortality resulting in serious health complications. Heart disease entails several conditions such as valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, heart attack, coronary artery disease, etc.

What are the Stages of Hypertension?

Here is how healthcare professionals have categorized the stages of hypertension: 

• Stage one hypertension, systolic pressure is as high as 130 mmHg while diastolic blood pressure can be above 90 mmHg. 
• In stage two of hypertension, the blood pressure can be above 140 mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure can go beyond 100 mmHg. Crores of people suffer from hypertension all across the globe and many of them suffer from heart diseases due to their condition.

Therefore, it becomes necessary that people who suffer from hypertension must take care of their blood pressure by taking regular medication, proper diet, and practicing exercise. Further, people who are suffering from hypertension must go for regular health checkups to prevent any kind of heart disease that might occur in the future, as early diagnosis helps in providing appropriate preventive measures and better treatment opportunities that reduce the risk of a heart attack.

The correlation between hypertension and heart disease

Here is how hypertension leads to the development of various heart diseases:

• Arterial Damage: Prolonged high blood pressure leads to arteries' elasticity through wear and tear. Several things happen as a result of this damage, which accelerates the development of heart disease.
• Atherosclerosis: High blood pressure means the growing of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries. Plaque buildup leads to the narrowing of the arteries reducing the blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Hypertensive heart disease: Constant hypertension leads to increasing the heart's volume of work causing hypertensive heart disease. In response, the heart thickens its walls; this is referred to as left ventricular hypertrophy. However, this adaptation is made in response to the increased demand, heart failure may eventually result from it.
• Coronary artery disease: Hypertension is a significant risk factor for the growth of coronary artery disease, or CAD. In extreme situations, a heart attack can be caused by the decreased blood supply to the heart muscle.
• Heart Failure: After a while, the heart's strength is jeopardized because of the strain that high blood pressure places on it. The inefficiency of the heart to pump blood efficiently leads to this illness and causes exhaustion, breathlessness, and retention of fluids.
• Endocarditis: Prolonged high blood pressure increases the risk of endocarditis, a bacterial infection damaging the heart's chambers inner lining, and valves.
• Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD): High blood pressure increases the risk of peripheral vascular disease by causing atherosclerosis in peripheral blood vessels. It reduces blood flow to the extremities. Leg pain, cramping, and slow wound healing are possible symptoms.

What are the prevention tips for heart disease?

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and effectively managing blood pressure are the best methods to prevent heart disease brought on by hypertension, or high blood pressure. Here are some tips that can help in preventing heart problems:

• Check your blood pressure: Ensure using a home blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure at home. As instructed by your healthcare expert, monitor and record your blood pressure.
• Keep Up a Nutritional Diet: Focus on consuming a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products to endorse heart health. Restrict your consumption of salt, or sodium, as excessive amount leads to an increase in your blood pressure.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Ensure to restrict the consumption of alcohol intake within reasonable bounds. 
• Give Up Smoking: Smoking causes blood pressure to increase and harm blood vessels. An important first step to avert heart disease is to quit smoking.
• Exercise Frequently: Make sure to involve regular physical activities like cycling, swimming, jogging, or brisk walking. Target 150 minutes or more every week of aerobic exercise at a moderate to high intensity or 75 minutes or more at a high intensity.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Make sure to maintain a healthy weight as blood pressure can be reduced with weight loss.
• Handle Stress: Get involved in stress-relieving activities such as yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing. Find out the sources of stress in your life to handle them easily.
• Limit Your Caffeine Intake: The relationship between caffeine and hypertension is not known, it is ideal to limit your intake of caffeine.
• Get Enough Sleep: Make sure to get seven to nine hours of good sleep every night as inadequate sleep increases high blood pressure.
• Eat Fewer Processed Foods: Don’t eat processed food and foods that are high in cholesterol.
• Frequent Medical Examinations: Take time out for routine check-ups with your healthcare provider to make sure that your blood pressure and general health are normal.

Conclusion

The association between hypertension and heart disease is certain. Hence, it is vital to emphasize the significance of proactive measures to maintain cardiovascular health. By comprehending the complex connection and taking steps to manage blood pressure, it is efficient to break the chain that links these two common health conditions. Making sure to prioritize a heart-healthy lifestyle and seeking regular medical guidance are key features to prevent the silent development of hypertension into more serious heart-related complications.

FAQs

 

Can you have heart disease without high blood pressure?

Yes, heart disease can occur without blood pressure, mainly for people with smoking, alcohol, poor lifestyle habits, etc. 

Can blood pressure indicate blocked arteries?

Yes, blood pressure increases when the arteries are blocked.