DOCTOR EXPLAINS THE LINK BETWEEN HYPERTENSION AND CARDIAC HEALTH
Hypertension is often missed or underdiagnosed because the common symptoms like headache, fatigue and breathlessness can be overlooked. It is a silent killer and a BP more than 140/90 damages organs silently, especially heart, kidneys and our brain. Recently, there has been a sudden rise in the incidence of young hypertensives with even patients in their 20s coming to OPDs with very high BP. Sedentary lifestyle, high salt and fat intake, processed foods, smoking, stress and late night awakenings are all responsible for early hypertension.
Hypertension is associated with a 2 to 3-fold increase in strokes and heart attacks. Hypertension can also lead to heart failure when the heart is not able to pump blood effectively to organs which get compromised, leading to various complications like kidney failure. Hypertension, if not controlled can cause fatal rhythm disorders which can cause strokes and sudden cardiac death.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Sanjeev Gera, Senior Director & HOD Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Noida explained the link between hypertension and cardiac health.
Link Between Hypertension And Cardiac Health
Long-standing uncontrolled high BP causes thickening of heart muscles and increased atherosclerosis or degeneration of heart, brain and peripheral vessels. The heart pumps against high-resistance vessels bed causing BP to further go up. Heart function can also be reduced with fluid accumulation in the lungs and body causing breathlessness and swelling. Hypertension along with high cholesterol and other risk factors like smoking and a sedentary lifestyle leads to blockages and heart attacks.
Atrial fibrillation is another complication of unmanaged high BP which is due to thickening and enlargement of the heart chambers. The heart beats rapidly and irregularly causing clots to form and migrate to the brain and legs with consequences.
Hypertension leads to early kidney damage which in turn leads to further high BP and heart failure. So it's important to diagnose high BP in its early stages so as to prevent heart and other organ complications. It's crucial to adhere to prescribed medicines for long alongside lifestyle changes like low salt and high fruits and vegetables in diet, weight loss and regular aerobic exercises. Regular home BP measurement is prudent to diagnose and treat it early.
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