OverviewWhat is hypertensive heart disease?Hypertensive heart disease is a long-term condition that develops over many years in people who have high blood pressure. It’s a group of medical problems ― like heart failure and conduction arrhythmias ― that can happen when you don’t control your high blood pressure (hypertension). Show
Chronic high blood pressure (higher than 120/80 mmHg) causes hypertensive heart disease. As people get older and continue to have high blood pressure, their risk of heart disease increases. Heart failure occurs most often in people older than 65. Chronic high blood pressure puts a strain on your heart and makes it harder for it to pump your blood. Your heart muscle can get thick and weak, possibly leading to heart failure. The walls of your blood vessels can also thicken because of high blood pressure, and this becomes more dangerous when cholesterol collects inside the blood vessels. Then your heart attack and stroke risks go up. High blood pressure makes men twice as likely and women three times more likely to get heart failure. However, people who manage their high blood pressure can greatly reduce their risk of heart failure. People who have hypertensive heart disease with heart failure have a higher risk for:
What are the types of hypertensive heart disease?High blood pressure makes it more difficult for your heart to push blood through your blood vessels. When plaque collects in your blood vessels or part of your heart muscle gets bigger because of high blood pressure, you can get these problems:
What are the complications of hypertensive heart disease?Complications of hypertensive heart disease include:
High blood pressure puts people at risk for:
How common is hypertensive heart disease?One out of every three adults in America has high blood pressure, but only half of those with the diagnosis have their blood pressure under control. Hypertensive cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of illness and death due to high blood pressure. Who is at risk for hypertensive heart disease?You’re at risk for hypertensive heart disease if you:
Symptoms and CausesWhat causes hypertensive heart disease?High blood pressure that is not controlled for years causes hypertensive heart disease. What are the symptoms of hypertensive heart disease?Because there are no symptoms with high blood pressure, many people don’t know they have it. Symptoms of hypertensive cardiovascular disease often show up after your heart has already been damaged. Symptoms of hypertensive heart disease include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is hypertensive heart disease diagnosed?Since people with high blood pressure don’t have symptoms, it’s important to go to regular appointments with your provider. Your provider will want to get:
What tests will be done to diagnose hypertensive heart disease?Your provider will want to rule out other problems that cause heart failure, such as ischemic cardiomyopathy. Tests include:
Management and TreatmentHow is hypertensive heart disease treated?Your provider will treat the medical problems you have, such as:
Your provider may ask you to change your lifestyle in these ways:
What medications are used for hypertensive heart disease?Any medicine can have side effects, but it’s important to keep taking your medicines. If you’re worried about a side effect from your medication, your provider may be able to switch you to a different one. Medicines to treat high blood pressure include:
How do I manage symptoms with hypertensive heart disease?There are several things you can do, such as:
PreventionHow can I reduce my risk of hypertensive heart disease?You can decrease your risk of hypertensive heart disease with lifestyle changes such as:
Your healthcare provider may order high blood pressure medicines for you such as:
How can I prevent hypertensive heart disease?Get your blood pressure checked once a year if you’re older than 18. Get readings more often if your numbers are high. If your blood pressure is high, bring it down and keep it down. You can purchase a blood pressure monitor you can use at home. If high blood pressure is found early and treated, it may keep you from getting:
Other things you can do:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat can I expect if I have hypertensive heart disease?Hypertensive heart disease is a long-term disease that takes years to develop. Over time, people who have it are at a higher and higher risk of dying from a cardiovascular problem. The prognosis for people with hypertensive cardiovascular disease is different from person to person, depending on:
Living WithHow do I take care of myself with hypertensive heart disease?When you have high blood pressure, it’s important to keep taking your medicines to control your blood pressure. You also need to watch for problems that start to develop and treat them promptly. Conditions to watch for include:
What questions should I ask my doctor?
A note from Cleveland Clinic High blood pressure is a very common condition, but some people don’t even know they have it. If you have been told you have high blood pressure, it’s very important to take the medicines your provider ordered for you. Keeping your blood pressure under control is a key factor in preventing hypertensive heart disease. You have the power to make healthy changes in your life for a healthy heart. Why is hypertension a major risk factor for heart disease?High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. It is a medical condition that happens when the pressure of the blood in your arteries and other blood vessels is too high. The high pressure, if not controlled, can affect your heart and other major organs of your body, including your kidneys and brain.
Does hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular disease?Hypertension increases the risk for a variety of cardiovascular diseases [3-5], including stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation [6], and peripheral vascular disease.
What is the connection between hypertension and heart disease?High blood pressure also leads to thickening of the blood vessel walls. When combined with cholesterol deposits in the blood vessels, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases. Hypertensive heart disease is the leading cause of illness and death from high blood pressure.
What diseases is hypertension a risk factor for?High blood pressure—also known as hypertension—is a major risk factor for chronic diseases including stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. High blood pressure is also a cardiovascular disease in its own right.
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