How Does High Blood Pressure Lead to Heart Disease?

People hear the term “high blood pressure,” but often don’t know
what it is. They also may know it puts them at risk for heart disease
and strokes, but they don’t know why. Understanding this condition
may help you improve your health.

What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the force of blood fl owing
in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and when
the heart is at rest (diastolic pressure). It’s measured in millimeters
of mercury (mm Hg). High blood pressure is defi ned in an adult as a
blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or
greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. If you are told
your blood pressure is 140 over 90, it is too high.

High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because it has no
symptoms. Most people are unaware they even have the disease.
In fact, in 90 to 95 percent of high blood pressure cases, the cause is
unknown.

That’s why discovering the condition is so important. Those particularly
at risk are African-Americans. Others at risk are male, diabetic, the
elderly and those who consume too much salt and/or alcohol.
Salt is the well-known culprit because it expands blood volume.
When volume is increased, pressure is increased. Too much salt is bad for
everybody, but it’s especially risk for African-Americans who are genetically
predisposed to high blood pressure. African-Americans who
consume too much salt may have high blood pressure diagnosed at an
earlier age, and it also may be more severe.

Contrary to popular belief, having high blood pressure does not necessarily
mean one has high cholesterol. These are two completely distinct
conditions. Having high blood pressure does, however, mean that a
person is more at risk for stroke and heart disease.

How does it affect your heart?
Having high blood pressure means an increased workload for your
heart and arteries. Your heart must pump harder, and the blood moving
through arteries is under greater pressure. If high blood pressure
continues for a long time, the strain causes your heart and arteries not to
work as well as they should. Other organs also may be affected, putting
you at increased risk for stroke, congestive heart failure, kidney failure
and heart attack. When high blood pressure is aggravated by obesity,
smoking, high cholesterol or diabetes, the risk is increased several
times.

What can you do to improve your health?
Know your blood pressure. You can get it checked at health fairs, at area
pharmacies or at your doctor’s office. If it is high, follow your doctor’s
orders:

Eat a low salt, low fat diet.

Exercise.
It physically conditions your heart, improves blood fl ow,
prevents platelets from clumping and inhibits blood clots.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol.

Take your prescribed medication, but check with your physician before
taking any other medications, even over-the-counter drugs. Some
cold and fl u medication, especially those with decongestants, can be
dangerous for people with high blood pressure.