What are the other names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Hypertensive Cardiac Disease

What is Hypertensive Heart Disease? (Definition/Background Information)

• Hypertensive Heart Disease is a condition of the heart that arises due to high blood pressure (or hypertension). It is the leading cause of disease and death from persistent high blood pressure
• Hypertensive Heart Disease mostly affects adults in the mid-40s or older. Rarely, children are also susceptible to this condition
• The major cause of Hypertensive Heart Disease is chronic hypertension. There are multiple risk factors involved such as family history of the condition, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles
• If left untreated, Hypertensive Heart Disease can cause serious and lethal complications; hence, a close monitoring of high blood pressures is important. A healthy lifestyle can significantly lower an individual’s chances of getting the condition
• In many cases, it is easy to prevent Hypertensive Heart Disease by controlling factors that cause the condition. Thus, a treatment of Hypertensive Heart Disease includes bringing about certain lifestyle changes and use of prescription medications
• The prognosis for individuals with Hypertensive Heart Disease is generally good with early recognition of the condition, prompt treatment, and by instituting certain lifestyle modifications, as needed

Who gets Hypertensive Heart Disease? (Age and Sex Distribution)

Hypertensive Heart Disease is observed in individuals of different age groups; however, most cases are diagnosed in adults.

• Children with kidney or heart problems are at a high risk
• In individuals 55 years and younger, the condition is more common in men
• In individuals 56 years and older, it is more common in women
• The condition is observed worldwide among all races and ethnicities. However, Hypertensive Heart Disease is more common in African Americans

What are the Risk Factors for Hypertensive Heart Disease? (Predisposing Factors)

There are many risk factors for Hypertensive Heart Disease, and these include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Advancing age
• Family history of the condition
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Stress
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Inactive lifestyle/overweight/obesity
• Diets with too much salt, or lacking potassium and vitamin D

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Hypertensive Heart Disease? (Etiology)

In many cases, there are no identifiable causes of hypertension, which is the underlying cause for Hypertensive Heart Disease.

• High blood pressure is termed as hypertension. Chronic hypertension can cause the heart to overwork, which can lead to a thickening of the heart muscles
• Aging can be seen as a cause of Hypertensive Heart Disease, since the incidence of hypertension increases as individuals grow older

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hypertensive Heart Disease?

An individual with Hypertensive Heart Disease may not always show any signs or symptoms. However, despite this, the heart and blood vessels continue to be affected. Continuing damage will take place, if high blood pressure remains untreated.

Some individuals may experience the following signs and symptoms:

• Chest pain or back pain, which may involve the arms and shoulders
• Tightness or pressure in the chest
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Leg or ankle swelling
• Cough

How is Hypertensive Heart Disease Diagnosed?

To diagnose Hypertensive Heart Disease, the primary healthcare provider typically measures the blood pressure by using a pressure-measuring gauge.

• Hypertension measurements range from 140-159 mmHg (termed systolic pressure) over 80-89 mmHg (termed diastolic pressure). The normal blood pressure is about 120/80 mmHg
• Since, the blood pressure can fluctuate, a few (about 2-3 times) blood pressure measurements are taken prior to diagnosing an individual with hypertension

The healthcare provider will also review the individual’s medical history and perform other tests including:

• Urinalysis
• Complete blood count (CBC) test
• Cholesterol tests
• Electrocardiogram (ECG), to measure the heart’s electrical activity
• Echocardiogram, to get a detailed picture of the heart
• Exercise stress test, to see how exercise affects the heart

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Hypertensive Heart Disease?

If left untreated, hypertension and ultimately Hypertensive Heart Disease can lead to several complications including:

• Increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Heart attack
• Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms)
• Aneurysms, which is the localized enlargement/bulging of an artery
• Heart failure
• Problems with memory and understanding, due to insufficient blood flow to parts of the brain
• Vision loss, due to insufficient blood flow to the eyes
• The formation of dense heart muscles, due to the heart muscles being overworked results in a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition increases the risk for heart attacks and sudden deaths

How is Hypertensive Heart Disease Treated?

The most effective treatment of Hypertensive Heart Disease is controlling blood pressure, before it becomes dangerous to the heart. Quitting smoking and regularly eating a healthy diet along-with daily exercise is usually sufficiently beneficial for most individuals.

In some cases, the healthcare provider may prescribe some medications such as:

• Beta blockers
• Diuretics
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Calcium channel blockers
• Vasodilators

How can Hypertensive Heart Disease be Prevented?

Hypertensive Heart Disease can be avoided by preventing chronic high blood pressures. Additionally, an individual may consider the following measures:

• Maintain a healthy weight through good eating habits and daily exercise
• Limit alcohol intake
• Quit smoking
• Manage stress through relaxation and breathing techniques
• In expectant women, maintain a close watch on blood pressure during pregnancy
• Ensure that the prescribed medications to prevent high blood pressures are taken regularly

What is the Prognosis of Hypertensive Heart Disease? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Hypertensive Heart Disease is excellent with prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment, including bringing about the needed lifestyle changes and taking the prescribed medications
• A delayed recognition of the condition and a lack of appropriate treatment can adversely influence outcomes
• It is important to understand that controlling Hypertensive Heart Disease is a life-long process. Regularly eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active, are some of the measures that have to be followed

Additional Relevant Useful Information for Hypertensive Heart Disease:

A healthy lifestyle can help improve the quality of the arteries. Light exercising (walking, swimming, as recommended by the physician), periodic health check-ups, keeping blood pressure under control, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and taking a healthy food (less in sugar, salt, and fats), all are good and beneficial practices.