High blood pressure is often known as the “silent killer” because it doesn’t have any symptoms until it’s too late. Unless you have regular blood pressure readings, you may not even know you have hypertension. High blood pressure can develop slowly over time, and if left untreated, it can lead to heart failure. This is why routine care is so important.
Last time we discussed if and how Heart failures can be reversed, now we know that Heart failure and hypertension are linked, and it’s important to manage hypertension in order to prevent heart failure. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways you can do that.
What is Hypertension?
Let’s start by discussing hypertension, or high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. When your blood pressure is too high, it can damage your arteries. High blood pressure is diagnosed with a painless reading. Your blood pressure is measured with a sphygmomanometer, which is the name of the cuff that measures your blood pressure.
Here’s what the numbers in your BP reading mean:
Normal blood pressure: <120/<80
Elevated blood pressure: 120-129/ <80
High blood pressure (hypertension stage 1): 130-139 / 80-89
High blood pressure (hypertension stage 2): 140+ / 90+
If your blood pressure reading is 180+/120+, you may be experiencing a hypertensive crisis. This is a serious medical emergency, and you should seek immediate medical care.
How can Hypertension lead to heart failure
Heart failure is a condition in which your heart muscle doesn’t contract as well as it should, making it difficult for your heart to provide blood flow for the rest of your body. It’s not that your heart stops beating, but you may feel like you’re constantly short of breath or very tired.
High blood pressure can contribute to heart failure in various ways. Damage to your arteries caused by the high pressure can lead to plaque and cholesterol buildup, as well as narrowed arteries that are less elastic and can’t carry blood smoothly. When blood flow is decreased or interrupted, the heart doesn’t get all of the oxygen or nutrients it needs, which strengthens the chance of heart failure. Additionally, high blood pressure makes the heart work harder, putting an extra load on the organ.
How to Manage High Blood Pressure?
Nearly all cases of hypertension can lead to heart failure if left untreated, but fortunately there are many ways to lower blood pressure safely. Medication is one way, but you can also support your heart health through lifestyle changes. This includes:
- Exercising regularly
- Quitting smoking
- Adopting a heart-friendly diet
- Reducing sodium intake
- Avoiding excess alcohol consumption
- Managing stress levels
You may also be interested in getting an EKG. This test is simple and painless, and it can check to make sure that high blood pressure hasn’t damaged your heart. We know that it can be stressful to worry about your heart health, but we’re here to guide you with your next steps and make sure you get the cardiac care you need. Whether you need medication or help sticking with a new heart-healthy routine, it’s our mission to support your heart.
