Hypertension: The Most Common Heart Disease and You Don't Know It!
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When you hear the word “heart disease,” you probably assume it refers to the risk of developing a condition like angina or coronary artery disease. These types of heart disease are serious and life-threatening, but they are not the most common type of heart disease. The most common type of heart disease is known as hypertension—or high blood pressure. In fact, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), hypertension is the first sign that someone may be at risk for developing another serious heart condition such as coronary artery disease or hypertensive cardiomyopathy. If left untreated, hypertension can put a person at risk for a stroke, damage to the central nervous system, and other complications like vision loss or endocarditis.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which blood flows through your blood vessels at higher pressures than normal. When you have high blood pressure, your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your body. If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Blood pressure is measured as two numbers—for example, 120/80. The top number represents the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is contracting (when your heart beats, it pumps blood out through your arteries). The bottom number represents the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is relaxing between beats. For adults, a normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80.
How Does High Blood Pressure Affect The Heart?
When your blood vessels are narrowed, your heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body because blood flow is slowed. As a result, the heart muscle becomes thicker, which can cause the heart to grow larger. The extra strain can increase your risk of developing a condition known as heart failure, which is when your heart is no longer able to pump blood as efficiently. High blood pressure can also lead to atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of plaque in your arteries. This can cause arteries to narrow, which can increase your risk of experiencing a heart attack or other serious heart conditions.
How Does High Blood Pressure Affect The Body?
People with high blood pressure may not feel any warning signs or symptoms. As a result, many people are unaware that they have high blood pressure and that it could result in serious health complications. Blood pressure is closely related to stroke risk. People with high blood pressure are at an increased risk of having a stroke, which is when there is bleeding in or around the brain. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. High blood pressure can also lead to damage to the kidneys, eyes, heart, and arteries. It can also cause complications during pregnancy.
Risk Factors For Developing High Blood Pressure
- Being Overweight or Obese - If you are overweight or obese, you may be at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. Excess weight can increase blood pressure in several ways. It can damage your kidneys, causing them to work harder, which can increase blood pressure. Additionally, the extra weight can cause your heart to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. - Diet - A diet high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure. Consuming too many processed foods or too much sugar can increase your blood pressure by increasing your body’s insulin production. Increased insulin production can lead to higher blood sugar levels, which can increase blood pressure. - Family History - Having a parent or sibling with high blood pressure can increase your risk of developing the condition.
Consequences Of Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
- Heart Disease - People with uncontrolled high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. When high blood pressure damages your blood vessels, a condition known as atherosclerosis can occur. Atherosclerosis is when plaque builds up inside your blood vessels, causing them to narrow. When your blood vessels narrow, blood flow is slowed down and may even come to a stop. - Stroke - When your blood vessels become narrowed as a result of high blood pressure, your risk of stroke increases. When a blood vessel in your brain becomes narrowed, blood cannot flow through it as easily and may come to a stop. When blood stops flowing, it can cause a stroke. - Kidney Disease - People who have uncontrolled high blood pressure have a higher risk of developing kidney disease. High blood pressure can damage the delicate blood vessels in your kidneys, causing the organs to work harder to filter blood. Damaged blood vessels can cause bleeding in the kidneys, which can lead to a condition known as kidney failure.
How to Manage Hypertension and Stay Healthy
If you’re diagnosed with hypertension, lifestyle changes can help you manage your condition. Here are some recommendations for managing your blood pressure: - Diet - A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help lower your blood pressure. - Exercise - Regular exercise has many health benefits and can help lower your blood pressure. - Sleep - Getting enough sleep can reduce stress hormones and help lower your blood pressure. - Stress - Managing stress can help lower your blood pressure by reducing your risk of developing high blood pressure in the first place. - Medications - If lifestyle changes don’t lower your blood pressure enough, your doctor may recommend taking medication.
Conclusion
By now, you've learned that hypertension is the most common type of heart disease and the most common risk factor for developing another heart condition. In order to stay healthy, you should maintain a balanced diet, get enough sleep, reduce your stress, and exercise regularly. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes as well as medication to help manage the condition. With careful monitoring and lifestyle changes, you can lower your blood pressure and live a healthy life!