The heart is the vital organ of the body and is responsible for pumping blood. But this functionality of the heart relies on a delicate balance of blood pressure to function optimally. Blood pressure, the force exerted by the circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, plays a significant role in maintaining cardiovascular health.
In this blog, we will explore the effects of blood pressure on the heart and understand the importance of managing it effectively. However, insights for this blog have been taken from Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in Delhi.
Effect of High Blood Pressure on the Health of Heart
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
High blood pressure harms the lining of the arteries, which encourages the buildup of fat deposits known as cholesterol. These artery-narrowing plaques raise the risk of heart attacks by decreasing blood supply to the heart muscle.
Heart disease
Long-term hypertension can thicken the heart muscles and reduce their ability to pump blood. When the heart cannot supply the body with the nourishment and oxygen it needs, cardiac failure can result. A heart transplant is a significant method to replace a disease or non-functioning heart with a healthy one.
Stroke
The risk of stroke can be raised by elevated blood pressure, which can damage brain blood arteries and encourage the production of blood clots. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is compromised, which causes harm to or death of brain cells or failure of heart valve. If heart valves fail to perform their work, then need a heart surgeon’s intervention to repair them.
Aortic Aneurysm
The aorta, a sizable artery that extends from the heart through the chest and torso, has a balloon-like bulge in it called an aortic aneurysm. Aortic aneurysms can rupture or split apart due to the power of blood pumping, which causes blood to flow in between the layers of the artery wall. Once this heart issue occurs, aortic surgery in India is performed by a heart surgeon.
Effect of Low Blood Pressure or Hypotension
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, lessens the pressure on the artery walls and can lead to insufficient blood flow to organs, including the heart. This may result in:
- Reduced Oxygen Supply
Low blood pressure can prevent the heart from receiving essential nutrients and oxygen due to inadequate blood flow. Long-term oxygen deprivation can damage the heart muscle and affect its functionality.
- Fainting and Dizziness
Rapid reductions in blood pressure might result in dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting spells. These symptoms could be the result of insufficient blood flow to the brain, which could increase the risk of falls or accidents.
Heart Disease Caused by Blood Pressure
Hypertension, or high blood pressure-related heart disease, is a significant medical illness with potentially fatal effects. The arteries providing blood to the heart might narrow or become clogged as a result of coronary artery disease, which can be brought on by persistently high blood pressure. Heart attacks, angina, and even heart failure may arise from this. Due to the damage it causes to the brain's blood arteries, hypertension also raises the chance of stroke. To avoid or control heart disease linked to high blood pressure, it is essential to regulate blood pressure through lifestyle modifications like a good diet and frequent exercise, and in some circumstances, medication.
Managing Blood Pressure
In order to keep the heart healthy, maintaining a healthy level of blood pressure is crucial. A few strategies are given below:
- Regular Inspection:
Check your blood pressure frequently with the aid of medical professionals or at-home monitoring devices. This will enable you to monitor the state of your blood pressure and take appropriate action if it deviates from the usual range.
- Healthy Lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can have a substantial impact on blood pressure. This includes keeping a healthy weight, exercising frequently, eating a balanced diet low in salt, avoiding cigarette products, and limiting alcohol intake.
- Medication
In some circumstances, a change in lifestyle is insufficient to control blood pressure. In such cases, heart doctors may recommend drugs to help control blood pressure levels and lower the risk of issues related to the heart.
- Stress Management
Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Practising stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and engaging in hobbies can help alleviate stress and promote overall well-being.
Conclusion:
For heart health, maintaining ideal blood pressure is crucial. Low blood pressure can impair blood flow to important organs, including the heart, putting them at risk for cardiovascular disorders, while high blood pressure puts an undue load on the heart. Individuals can effectively control blood pressure levels and protect their heart health over the long term by adopting a healthy lifestyle, routinely monitoring their blood pressure, and seeking appropriate medical assistance from an expert like Dr. Sujay Shad, renowned heart surgery specialist in Delhi.