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The Hidden Link to Heart Disease: Did You Know How High Blood Pressure Can Lead to Heart Failure?
High blood pressure is the main cause of various heart diseases, among which hypertensive heart disease (Hypertensive Heart Disease) is particularly important. The definition of this heart disease has varied as medical literature has evolved, but in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) it clearly covers heart failure due to hypertension as well as other cardiac comorbidities. According to 2013 data, the number of deaths caused by hypertensive heart disease reached 1.07 million, an increase of nearly 70% compared with 630,000 in 1990.
The diagnosis of hypertensive heart disease is usually based on a comprehensive evaluation of medical history and examination results.
In ICD-10, hypertensive heart disease (I11) is further subdivided into hypertensive heart disease with heart failure (I11.0) and hypertensive heart disease without heart failure (I11.9). The most important thing to note is that although hypertension is a risk factor for arteriosclerosis and ischemic heart disease, the mortality rate from hypertensive heart disease is not sufficient to fully reflect the health burden caused by hypertension.
Symptoms and signs
The signs and symptoms of hypertensive heart disease vary depending on whether it is accompanied by heart failure. People without overt heart failure may have high blood pressure (with or without enlargement of the left ventricle of the heart) without feeling symptoms. However, when heart failure occurs, it can cause a different set of symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Swelling of ankles and legs
- Overweight
- Disgusting
- Shortness of breath, more noticeable when lying down
- Abdominal bloating and pain
- Frequent urination at night
- Enlarged heart (cardiomegaly)
- Decreased coronary blood supply and hidden myocardial ischemia
- Atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmia, or even sudden cardiac death
Heart failure may develop slowly or suddenly as acute heart failure.
Sometimes a sharp rise in high blood pressure, myocardial ischemia, or arrhythmia can lead to a sudden abnormality in cardiac function that requires immediate medical intervention.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of hypertensive heart disease requires differentiation from other underlying conditions, including coronary artery disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, left ventricular hypertrophy in athletes, and other causes of heart failure.
Early diagnosis of high blood pressure is key to preventing heart disease and other complications.
Prevention
Because high blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, many people may have it without even knowing it. Early detection of high blood pressure and active lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, regular exercise, weight control, reducing alcohol intake and quitting smoking, are all effective ways to prevent heart disease. Additionally, depending on the patient's circumstances, medications may be needed to control high blood pressure and heart failure.
Epidemiology
According to statistics, more than 26% of the population is affected by hypertension, and hypertensive heart disease is only one of a series of health problems caused by hypertension. Other related diseases include ischemic heart disease, stroke, etc. Studies show high blood pressure increases the risk of heart failure by two to three times. Notably, high blood pressure is the underlying cause in 90% of heart failure cases, and most other heart failure conditions in older adults can also be traced to the effects of high blood pressure.
Gender and racial differences
The incidence of hypertension is higher in women than in men, and although men develop it at an earlier age, it is less well controlled in women. Differences between different races are also evident, with African Americans having a greater burden of hypertension and hypertensive heart disease. Data show that rates of high blood pressure increase more rapidly among African Americans, which may contribute to their shorter life spans.
In diagnosis and treatment, female patients are often underestimated, and the impact on hypertension and heart disease cannot be ignored.
As the problem of hypertension continues to rise, regardless of gender, age or race, this means that increased awareness of hypertensive heart disease is necessary for everyone. Are you aware of the potential dangers of high blood pressure to your heart health?
