A Guide To Hypertensive Heart Disease

One of the most serious forms of heart disease is hypertensive heart disease. This condition is caused by an elevation in blood pressure that has been prolonged and uncontrolled. High blood pressure needs to be treated and controlled as it causes changes in the structure of the myocardium, the conduction system and coronary vasculature of the heart.

Hypertensive heart disease caused by severe untreated high blood pressure affects a variety of molecular factors in the heart. These include the pathophysiology of the condition, the hemodynamic, neuroendocrine and structural factors. Valvular illness of the heart does not cause hypertensive heart disease but hypertension (high blood pressure) can result in aortic root dilation which leads to aortic insufficiency.

Reasons For Heart Failure

Hypertensive heart disease develops as the malfunctioning left ventricle (LV) cannot generate the high blood pressure required and this causes heart failure. Heart failure is a very frequent complication of hypertensive heart disease, and the heart failure often goes unrecognized until it has actually developed into a life threatening condition.

Heart Malfunction From Diastolic Dysfunction

Hypertensive heart disease also frequently causes diastolic dysfunction, often, but not always accompanied by Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). There are a number of significant factors that are believed to play a part in the progression of diastolic dysfunction. These could be conditions already present such as aging, coronary artery disease, structural anomalies like fibrosis and systolic dysfunction.

Treatment For Heart Failure

The treatment protocol for hypertensive heart disease is multifaceted. The non-medical facet being to restrict sodium intake, discontinue smoking tobacco products, weight reduction and regular exercise in moderation. There are also many different medication options that may be used in an initial treatment protocol, with the goal being to get both the systolic and diastolic blood pressures under control and as near to normal as possible.

When suffering from hypertensive heart disease it is very important to attend regular medical examinations with your doctor. This will ensure that the treatment that you receive for this condition will achieve the best results. Of vital importance though is to ensure that you lead a very health lifestyle, getting regular physical activity, cutting out the unhealthy foods and eating a good nutritious diet, stopping any bad habits such as smoking and the drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol. This will not only be of benefit to your heart condition but living healthily will prevent any other health issues from taking hold.

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A Guide To Hypertensive Heart Disease