High blood pressure can cause heart failure, here's how hypertension affects heart health

Despite being silent, hypertension has far-reaching effects. (Image : Canva)

Hypertension, known as the "silent killer," is a medical condition that affects millions of people globally. It usually shows no signs at all, slowly causing years' worth of bodily harm. Uncontrolled hypertension can have disastrous long-term effects, especially on heart health. The consequences of persistently high blood pressure are serious and far-reaching, ranging from heart attacks to heart failure. It's important to comprehend these effects, particularly for people who might be unknowingly suffering from this severe ailment.

Hypertension and heart health: A dangerous link

One of the biggest risk factors for heart disease is hypertension, says Dr Sajal Gupta, Senior Consultant, Cardiology, Max Hospital, Vaishali. According to Dr Gupta, artery walls become rigid and narrowed because of the extra stress that high blood pressure puts on them over time. Atherosclerosis is a condition that causes the heart's blood flow to be reduced, raising the possibility of myocardial infarction, also referred to as a heart attack. A heart attack happens when an arterial blockage deprives the heart muscle of oxygen, causing irreparable damage to the heart tissue.

Heart failure: The gradual decline

Heart failure is another major effect of hypertension, says Dr Gupta. The heart has to work harder over time to pump blood against the arteries' growing pressure. This additional work may result in hypertrophy, or the thickening of the heart muscle, which ultimately impairs the heart's capacity to pump blood efficiently. When the heart cannot pump enough blood to satisfy the body's needs, it can cause heart failure, which can cause symptoms like exhaustion, fluid retention, and shortness of breath.

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Arrhythmias and aortic dissection: Life-threatening complications

Arrhythmias, or abnormal heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation, are another condition that can be brought on by hypertension, says Dr Gupta. Heart failure and stroke risk may rise as a result of this illness. Aortic dissection, a medical emergency in which the inner layer of the aorta breaks and causes extreme chest pain and often results in abrupt death, is another condition for which hypertension is a major risk factor.

Broader health implications

In addition to its effects on cardiac health, hypertension is a major contributor to peripheral artery disease, renal failure, and stroke. The significance of early identification and treatment of high blood pressure is further highlighted by these disorders.