How Managing Hypertensive Heart Disease - What You Need to Know

 Managing Hypertensive Heart Disease - What You Need to Know

Managing Hypertensive Heart Disease

 Hypertensive Heart Disease

Hypertensive heart disease can happen if you have high blood pressure for a long time but don’t control it. The added strain on your heart could lead to heart failure or other health problems. This is why it’s important to know if you have high blood pressure and to treat it if you do. Lifestyle changes can make your heart healthier, too.

How do I take care of myself with hypertensive heart disease?

- See your doctor often. Get your blood pressure checked often. Your doctor may also recommend regular testing for other heart disease risk factors, like high cholesterol and diabetes. Ask your doctor about what screenings you should get and when. - Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish can help lower blood pressure. It can also help lower your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which can reduce your risk for heart disease. - Get enough sleep. A lack of sleep can increase stress hormones, which can raise blood pressure and increase your risk for heart disease. - Exercise regularly. Exercise has many health benefits, including reducing blood pressure. It also improves your ability to handle stress and improves your mood, all of which can help reduce your risk for heart disease. - Manage other health conditions. If you have diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) or kidney disease, taking care of these conditions can reduce your risk for heart disease.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

- What is my blood pressure? Your blood pressure reading should be less than 130/80 mmHg, which is considered normal. - What is the difference between my systolic and diastolic blood pressure? The systolic reading represents your blood pressure when your heart contracts, or squeezes, to pump blood through your body. The diastolic reading represents your blood pressure when your heart is relaxed between beats. - Is my blood pressure rising? Is my blood pressure at a normal level?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

As people age, they’re more likely to have high blood pressure. As you get older, your blood vessels may stiffen and become less elastic, making it harder for them to expand and allow blood to flow. This is more common in people who are hypertensive. If you have high blood pressure, you’re more likely to develop heart disease and stroke. You may not notice any symptoms at first, so it’s important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. Your goal should be to keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg. Taking steps to lower your blood pressure can protect you from heart disease.

How can I prevent hypertensive heart disease?

- Control your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, make lifestyle changes to lower it and reduce your risk for heart disease. - Eat a healthy diet. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and nuts. Limit your salt intake. - Get enough sleep. Adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. This can help reduce blood pressure and improve your ability to handle stress. - Manage other health conditions. If you have diabetes, hyperlipidemia or kidney disease, taking care of these conditions can lower your risk for heart disease. - Stay socially active. Having a strong social network can help reduce your risk for heart disease.

Conclusion

Heart disease is a serious condition that can lead to death if left untreated. Taking care of your heart is crucial, and it starts with maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise. If you have hypertensive heart disease, make lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure and prevent future heart disease.