Hypertensive Heart Disease
Ask our expert about hypertensive heart disease
- A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with hypertensive heart disease. What is it?
- What other complications could arise from an enlarged heart muscle?
- How would I know that I have high blood pressure or hypertensive heart disease?
- I've had high blood pressure for a long time? Am I at risk for hypertensive heart disease?
- Is there anything I can do to reduce my blood pressure?
Q: A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with hypertensive heart disease. What is it?
A: Hypertensive heart disease is a medical condition that results from prolonged and untreated high blood pressure. This can lead to the enlargement of the heart muscle.
Q: What other complications could arise from an enlarged heart muscle?
A: An enlarged heart has severe consequences. It can cause heart failure and heart muscle “burn-out” in which the heart muscle first thickens, then gradually thins out and doesn't squeeze (pump) as efficiently. This leads to shortness of breath and swelling of the legs.
Q: How would I know that I have high blood pressure or hypertensive heart disease?
A: You wouldn't necessarily know that you have high blood pressure unless you had it checked. Your doctor normally checks your blood pressure at your yearly physical. But as a general rule, our blood pressure tends to increase as we age. So you should get it checked periodically. Some symptoms of very high blood pressure include headaches, visual disturbances and nausea.
Q: I've had high blood pressure for a long time? Am I at risk for hypertensive heart disease?
A: Yes. Anyone with uncontrolled high blood pressure is at risk for this disease.
Q: Is there anything I can do to reduce my blood pressure?
A: Absolutely! Regular exercise helps, and it also can lead to weight loss if you’re overweight. Reducing your salt intake and finding ways to de-stress also help. Also, if your doctor gives you a prescription to help lower your blood pressure, remember to take it regularly.
This page last updated 12/28/10 03:44 PM
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