Congestive Heart Failure: Types, Symptoms, Treatment
Hypertensive Heart Disease: Expert Explains Its Symptoms And Risk Factors
A racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, and unexplained fatigue - these symptoms can be alarming and may indicate a condition known as hypertensive heart disease. When high blood pressure goes uncontrolled for an extended period, it can wreak havoc on our cardiovascular system, leading to serious complications. Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director & HOD, Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, explained this health condition, its symptoms and risk factors.
What Is Hypertensive Heart Disease
Dr Kumar said that hypertensive heart disease is a medical condition that occurs when high blood pressure damages the heart and blood vessels. High blood pressure, often known as hypertension, is a condition in which the force of the blood on the blood vessel walls is excessive. This extra force puts a strain on the heart and blood vessels, which can lead to various complications, such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney damage.
According to StatPearls Publishing, the global prevalence of hypertension is 26.4%, accounting for 1.1 billion people, however only one in every five persons has their blood pressure under control.
Also Read: Ashwagandha For High Blood Pressure: How To Consume It, As Per Expert
Symptoms of Hypertensive Heart DiseaseIn its early stages, hypertensive heart disease may not exhibit any noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, certain signs may manifest, indicating potential heart-related issues. These symptoms can include:
Individuals may experience chest pain, tightness, or pressure, commonly known as angina. This discomfort may occur during physical activity or periods of emotional stress and typically subsides with rest.
Shortness of BreathAs the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently due to the increased workload caused by hypertension, individuals may feel breathless or experience difficulty breathing, particularly during physical exertion.
FatigueThe heart muscle's compromised function can result in decreased blood supply to other organs, leading to fatigue or a general sense of tiredness, even with minimal exertion.
Irregular heartbeatHypertensive heart disease can disrupt the heart's electrical system, leading to arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). This may manifest as palpitations or a sensation of the heart fluttering or racing.
SwellingThe compromised function of the heart can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling in the ankles, legs, or abdomen.
It is important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to hypertensive heart disease and can be indicative of other cardiac conditions. Consulting a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis is crucial if you experience any of these symptoms.
Also Read: High Blood Pressure: Ways To Treat It Immediately At Home
Risk Factors For Hypertensive Heart DiseaseDr Kumar listed the risk factors for hypertensive heart disease as follows:
The risk of developing hypertensive heart disease increases with age, as blood vessels and the heart tend to lose some flexibility and resilience.
Family historyA family history of hypertension or hypertensive heart disease can increase an individual's predisposition to developing the condition. Genetic factors can influence blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular health.
Smoking and alcohol consumptionSmoking damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure, while excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure levels. Both habits can contribute to the development of hypertensive heart disease.
ObesityExcess body weight, particularly abdominal obesity, increases the risk of developing hypertension and subsequent heart disease. Adipose tissue produces hormones and substances that can negatively impact blood pressure regulation.
Lack of regular physical activity contributes to the development of hypertension and increases the risk of hypertensive heart disease. Exercise helps maintain cardiovascular health, promotes healthy blood pressure levels, and strengthens the heart muscle.
High blood pressureThe primary risk factor for hypertensive heart disease is uncontrolled or poorly managed hypertension. Prolonged elevated blood pressure levels can strain the heart, leading to its structural and functional changes.
BottomlineDr Kumar concluded that the treatment for hypertensive heart disease may include medication to lower blood pressure, lifestyle modifications, imaging tests, and surgery. While the condition is potentially life-threatening, the prognosis can be improved significantly with early diagnosis, proper treatment, and adherence to a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, proper weight management, quitting smoking, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy diet, are crucial in reducing the risk of hypertension and its associated heart complications.
Top Cardiologist Died Of Heart Attack Due To Confusing Symptoms: How To Recognise These Symptoms Early?
Recent news about cardiologist Dr Gaurav Gandhi who'd reportedly conducted 16,000 heart surgeries succumbing to heart attack at 41 shocked everyone. Similar to some of the previous fatalities that shocked the world, Dr Gaurav worked out at the gym regularly and even played cricket to stay fit and healthy. It has not only sparked anxiety about heart attack among young Indians, it also makes us wonder if a top cardiologist could not tell the symptoms of a heart attack, what control do we have over telling a fatal heart episode?
Dr Vivek Chaturvedi, Head, Department of Cardiology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad shares, "Physicians, to some degree, are more prone to developing chronic diseases, particularly heart disease, and this susceptibility can be attributed to several factors. It is now widely acknowledged that both intense mental and physical stress, as well as recent infections, play a role in the occurrence of heart attacks and the rupture of arterial constrictions. While conclusive data is still limited, it is evident that physicians experience a higher incidence of three factors: extreme physical stress, mental stress, and infections. The stress arises from the demanding nature of caring for sick individuals, the challenging and sometimes hostile work environment, long working hours, and increased exposure to infections due to frequent patient contact. These factors collectively contribute to the heightened vulnerability of physicians. As a result, there is a worrisome increase in unfortunate cases among healthcare professionals."
People known to him are lauding him for working over 14 hours everyday. Cardiologist Dr Mohit Gupta feels this is where the problem lies. "People are living in a pandemic of personal mismanagement. We are driven by an endless race where we tend to forget our own self. Self care should be a priority for everyone. We need to take out time for ourselves. We have to make sure that we are getting ourselves properly investigated and trying to lead a wholesome life." He further adds, "Surveys in India show disastrous data of an increasing incidence of heart attack in the age group of 18 to 35 years. And the single most important reason emerging is psychosocial stress and that endless drive to do something. If you are not nurturing your own self, you cannot heal others. You have to be your own healer too."
HOW TO HANDLE CONFUSING HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMSThe details of the doctor's death are even more perplexing and confusing. He experienced chest pain, got himself checked at his hospital, ECG showed normal and he was told it was possibly acidity. Only a few hours later, he was found dead in his washroom.
The presence of confusing symptoms and an increase in heart attack fatalities is indeed a concerning issue. Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person, and they are not always clear-cut, says Dr Chandrashekar, Associate Director - Cardiology, Max Super Speciality Hospital Shalimar Bagh. "One should never ignore any symptom of heart attack. When symptoms of a heart attack are mistaken for a gastric issue, valuable time can be lost in providing the appropriate medical intervention. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to thoroughly evaluate patients presenting with symptoms that could indicate a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and arm or jaw discomfort. These symptoms should not be easily dismissed as solely related to gastric problems, as prompt recognition and treatment of a heart attack can be life-saving. To help prevent such cases in the future, it is essential for healthcare providers to maintain a high level of clinical suspicion and consider all possible causes for a patient's symptoms, even if they initially appear to be unrelated to heart attack."
Dr Vivek further adds, "By and large, heart disease can mimic any symptom arising in the region from face to upper abdomen. Important thing to remember is that heart disease symptoms don't last in seconds or hours. Typically they are in minutes; if they increase invariably it is due to impending attack. Hence any new symptom, whether acidity tightness, sudden breathlessness, pain, sudden discomfort with sweating, should be thought of as cardiac and an ECG done. Someone who never had any acidity before, but suddenly gets this symptom with uneasiness, should be concerned. This is especially true for people at higher risk like diabetes, old age, heavy smokers, multiple risk factors or strong family history of early heart disease."
It's particularly important to be aware of accompanying symptoms along with chest tightness that may indicate a more serious condition and require medical attention on prompt basis, such as,
• Chest pain or pressure that radiates to the arm, jaw, neck, or back.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Nausea, lightheadedness, or dizziness.
• Sweating.
• Pale or clammy skin.
• Change in heart rate and blood pressure
ARE INDIANS MORE AT RISK OF HEART ILLNESS?Dr. Sunil Wani, Consultant, Cardiology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai explains, "Indian population is prone to having heart disease, due to genetic risk factors. Even doctors are humans so it is natural that they are prone to heart issues too and can have a family history of it. Further, Diabetes, blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking all have an effect on men as they age.
Nowadays the spectrum has shifted. Diabetes used to affect patients when they were 50 years old, but these days people as young as 35 are being diagnosed with the disease. Therefore, if a disease develops earlier, other organs such as the eyes, kidneys, heart, peripheral nerves, etc. Are affected because it is inflammatory. Therefore, if someone develops diabetes at age 35, he is more likely to experience a heart attack in his early 40s if he does not take care of his health."
GASTRITIS OR HEART ATTACK?While symptoms of gastritis and unease can also mimic heart problems and vice versa, a gastritis event is not fatal in contrast to a heart problem. Dr Sunil adds, "Whenever a person feels uneasy, experiences shoulder discomfort, is excessively sweaty, feels jaw pain, or a feeling of being choked or throttled with shortness of breath, excruciating pain on the left side and the medial part are also reasons for concern. Also in some patients, it is the right side pain, as the heart can be on the right side in some people by birth, which is Dextrocardia is a rare congenital condition. One should see a doctor right away, especially if there is an underlying risk factor already present, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Many times it will be a gastric problem. However, if a person is obese and has risk factors one should go to a doctor."
WHAT YOU NEED FOR GOOD HEART HEALTHHeart disease is one of the most common causes of deaths in India. To keep our heart safe, there are certain measure we all must take:
Eat healthy and wholesome foods
Be physically active
Maintain a healthy weight
Know your family history
Manage stress
Sleep well
Do not smoke and stay away from second hand smoke
Get your annual tests done
Control your BP and cholesterol
This Nightly Habit Could Reduce Your Risk Of Heart Disease, Says New Study
It might seem like there are two kinds of people in the world: The ones who fall asleep with zero effort, and the ones who take more time to wind down. There's more at stake than sweet dreams and daytime grogginess when the process of hitting the hay feels a little unpredictable night-to-night.
If you're a self-professed night owl or frequently toss and turn in sporadic sleep, new research might inspire you to make a point of creating a healthier sleep routine. A February 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association brings to light an unseen threat to our hearts: The risks of inconsistent sleep patterns.
These 4 Sleep Behaviors Can Help You Live Longer, Says New Research
The hidden danger of sleep irregularityThe snooze button may seem like your worst enemy, especially when you're yearning for five more minutes in bed. However, it's the unpredictable sleep patterns that might be the real culprits behind potential health risks. The research, led by Kelsie Full, Ph.D., MPH, of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, analyzed the sleep patterns of 2,032 participants from six diverse U.S. Communities.
The findings? Those with irregular sleep patterns—defined by sleep duration fluctuations greater than two hours in a week—showed increased signs of subclinical cardiovascular disease. This silent stage of heart disease often goes undetected as symptoms are either absent or unrecognized, while the cardiovascular system gradually suffers damage.
Full was quoted in a press release from the medical center, stating, "These results suggest that maintaining regular or habitual sleep durations, or sleeping close to the same total amount of time each night, may play an important role in preventing cardiovascular disease."
I Took Magnesium to Help Me Sleep for a Month—Here's What Happened
Sleep and cardiovascular healthOur bodies are like well-oiled machines that operate on internal biological clocks known as circadian rhythms. These rhythms regulate countless processes, including sleep. When we disrupt these rhythms by switching sleep schedules or changing between nights of rest and insomnia, the body may struggle to adapt.
The study discovered a correlation between these inconsistent sleep patterns and an increased presence of subclinical markers of cardiovascular disease.
Throughout a week-long observation period, participants who showed a higher degree of inconsistency in their sleep durations presented more alarming results. These individuals were more likely to carry a higher calcium load in their coronary arteries, a known precursor to heart disease. There was also an increased plaque buildup in their carotid arteries, signaling a heightened stroke risk. Additionally, their blood vessels were more rigid, a condition often known as "hardening of the arteries," typically associated with systemic atherosclerosis.
4 Easy Metrics That Help Gauge Your Heart Health (and That You Can Measure Yourself)
Prioritizing sleep for a healthy heartDr. Full and her team hypothesize that disruptions to the circadian rhythm form the link between irregular sleep and heart disease. They explain: "Almost all major cardiovascular functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, vascular tone, and endothelial functions, are regulated by circadian clock genes." They note that any disruptions to these rhythms can affect these essential cardiovascular functions, promoting "chronic inflammation, altered glucose metabolism, increased sympathetic nervous system activation, and elevated arterial pressures"—all potential triggers for atherosclerosis.
In the face of these risks, a consistent sleep schedule and quality rest are more than just comfort—they are vital for your health. (Note: A 2023 sleep and Alzheimer's study backs this up!)
If quality sleep seems elusive to you, here are some strategies to consider from The American Academy of Sleep Medicine:
These initial steps should set you on the path toward healthier sleep habits. Let's prioritize rest—it has the power to heal.
For the latest in health and wellness, get The Healthy @Reader's Digest newsletter. Keep reading for more expert advice:
Comments
Post a Comment