High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Diseases
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health issue worldwide and a significant risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that CVDs, including heart attacks and strokes, account for one-third of total deaths in India.
What is High Blood Pressure?
It refers to the pressure exerted on artery walls by the blood circulated by the heart. Measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg), it comprises two values: systolic pressure (during heartbeats) and diastolic pressure (between beats). A standard blood pressure reading is usually approximately 120/80 mmHg.
When blood pressure consistently remains above normal levels, it can lead to hypertension. This condition strains the heart, arteries, and organs, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
How Does High Blood Pressure Affect the Heart and Blood Vessels?
High blood pressure affects cardiovascular health in the following ways:
1. Arterial Damage and Increased Pressure:
- High blood pressure causes constant stress on artery walls, leading to micro-damage and dysfunction in the endothelium (inner lining of blood vessels).
- The continuous pressure also triggers inflammation within blood vessels, contributing to atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of arteries).
2. Endothelial Dysfunction and Plaque Formation:
- Endothelial dysfunction reduces nitric oxide production, leading to vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and increased oxidative stress.
- These changes due to cardiovascular hypertension promote plaque accumulation along arterial walls, consisting of lipids, cholesterol, cellular debris, and inflammatory cells.
3. Impact on Cardiac Workload and Structure:
- Elevated blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, causing the heart muscle to enlarge (hypertrophy) as it adapts to the increased workload.
- Chronic hypertension also affects blood vessel structure, leading to arterial stiffness and reduced elasticity.
4. Endothelial Damage and Thrombosis Risk:
- Damage to the endothelium increases the risk of thrombosis (blood clot formation) within blood vessels.
- Thrombi (clots) can obstruct blood flow, leading to ischemic events such as heart attacks, strokes, or peripheral artery occlusion.
Cardiovascular Diseases Linked to High Blood Pressure?
Hypertension contributes to the development of several cardiovascular diseases, such as:
1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): High blood pressure damages the arteries’ inner lining, promoting plaque buildup. Over time, this may result in atherosclerosis, narrowing the coronary arteries that provide blood to the heart. When less blood flows to the heart muscle, it can cause a heart attack or chest pain (angina) if the coronary artery gets entirely blocked.
2. Heart Failure: During high blood pressure, the heart has to pump blood with more force, leading to the thickening of the heart muscle and decreased efficiency. This can eventually result in high blood pressure and heart failure, where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Some symptoms noticed include fatigue, shortness of breath, and leg swelling.
3. Stroke: Cardiovascular hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is ruptured (haemorrhagic stroke) or blocked (ischemic stroke). High blood pressure impairs blood vessels in the brain and can lead to blood clots or weakened vessel walls, increasing the likelihood of a stroke.
4. Aneurysms: Weakened blood vessel walls due to hypertension can cause aneurysms to form, which are bulges or ballooning areas in blood vessels. Aneurysms, particularly in the aorta (the main artery from the heart), can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
5. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): High blood pressure can damage arteries in the limbs, causing peripheral artery disease. Decreased blood flow to the legs and arms can result in pain, tissue damage, and numbness, making the individual susceptible to infections and poor wound healing.
How to Manage High Blood Pressure and Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases?
It’s vital to manage high blood pressure effectively to prevent associated cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle changes (a diet low in salt and saturated fats, regular exercise, healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and tobacco) can help control blood pressure.
With lifestyle modifications, medications can be taken after consulting a healthcare professional to manage hypertensive cardiovascular disease effectively.
Individuals with hypertension must regularly measure their blood pressure to ensure it stays within the recommended ranges. This may involve home blood pressure monitoring and regular check-ups with healthcare providers.
Understanding the link between hypertension and heart disease is crucial for early detection and addressing complications with preventive measures. Lifestyle modifications are key in managing high blood pressure. Routine medical treatment, as per the guidance of a healthcare professional, is also essential for effective hypertension management.
Consider booking a heart screening test with Dr Lal PathLabs today to ensure comprehensive care.
FAQs
1. How does the cardiovascular system affect blood pressure?
The cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure by adjusting heart rate, vessel diameter, and volume through mechanisms like vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
2. Is hypertension the leading cause of cardiovascular disease?
Yes, hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease.
3. What heart defects cause high blood pressure?
Heart defects such as valve abnormalities, congenital heart diseases, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can lead to cardiovascular hypertension due to altered blood flow or increased cardiac workload.
