World Hypertension Day: How High Blood Pressure Can Cause Damage To The Heart

It is important to manage hypertension and save the heart, else it could lead to several heart diseases and even death! This World Hypertension Day, know from a renowned cardiologist about the dangers of high blood pressure and the simple steps you can take to prevent it.

World Hypertension Day: How High Blood Pressure Can Cause Damage To The Heart (Photo: Freepik)

Hypertension and heart health: The first question that pops in the head after a hypertension diagnosis is whether the heart is safe, and if it is not, what can be done to manage the health of the heart for a patient suffering from high blood pressure. The need of the hour is to manage hypertension, which doctors often call 'the silent killer'. They warn that high blood pressure can cause a lot of damage to the heart, from artery damage to heart failure, and even death. Read on to know more about this health condition and how best it can be managed for the sake of the heart.

What Happens During Hypertension?

Dr Tamiruddin Danwade, consultant interventional cardiologist, Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai explains that when there is hypertension or high blood pressure, the force of blood pushing against the artery walls is too high. The condition can make the heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body. "Over time, this extra effort can cause damage to the heart and blood vessels, making hypertension one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke in the country," the doctor says.

He adds that currently, many people are diagnosed with hypertension due to causes like genetics, family history, lack of physical activity, stress, obesity, smoking, poor eating habits, age, hormonal imbalance, or kidney disease.

"High blood pressure often shows no early signs, which is why many patients do not know they have it until complications arise. In some cases, it may cause headaches, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or vision changes. These symptoms, however, tend to appear only when blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels or has already started damaging the organs."

Hypertension And The Damage It Causes To The Heart

As mentioned earlier, high blood pressure can result in the heart working harder to pump blood in the body. Dr Danwade states that over time, high blood pressure can damage the heart in several ways.

• It harms the arteries by making them narrow and less flexible, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle, a condition known as 'coronary artery disease'.
• It can cause chest pain or even a heart attack.
• The heart works harder to push blood through stiff or narrowed arteries; it begins to change shape.
• The left ventricle -- the main pumping chamber -- can become thicker, and one is at risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest.
• Hypertension is often accompanied by other health issues, like high blood sugar and high cholesterol, leading to a condition called metabolic syndrome.
• It can further increase the risk of a stroke and diabetes.

Preventing And Managing Hypertension

According to the doctor, one can take simple steps to prevent hypertension or keep it under control. For one, they can focus on a balanced lifestyle -- eat more fruits and vegetables, reduce salt intake, and stay physically active. Next, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, and managing stress with the help of yoga and meditation can help keep hypertension under control, the expert advises.

"Hypertension is a serious-yet-manageable condition that poses significant risks to heart health, if left unchecked. But, by recognising the silent nature of high blood pressure and taking proactive steps, like adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, staying physically active, managing stress, and regularly monitoring blood pressure, one can effectively reduce the risk of heart disease and lead a healthier life," the doctor concludes.