Q. Is Hypertension considered a heart disease?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Yes, hypertension is considered a heart disease. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of the arteries is too strong and damage can occur to the arterial walls as well as other organ systems due to increased strain. When left untreated it can lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and even death.
Hypertension has several causes including lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity and smoking. It can also be caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus or kidney diseases that alter how well these organs work in regulating electrolyte levels in your body which affects overall fluid balance which then predisposes one to hypertension. High stress levels have also been linked with higher than normal pressures that could lead to hypertension over time if not managed properly with relaxation techniques or medications such as anti-anxiety medications prescribed by your physician/caregiver
Hypertension can be treated through lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains; exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes per day; quitting smoking; reducing alcohol consumption; avoiding high-salt foods; limiting caffeine intake; managing stress levels through yoga/meditation etc. Additional therapies may include medications like diuretics (water pills), ACE inhibitors (which help relax blood vessels) calcium channel blockers (prevent calcium from entering cells), beta blockers (dampen down heart rate) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (regulate hormones that cause constriction of blood vessels). Regular monitoring of your BP should also be done every couple months depending upon the severity of the condition so any emerging changes can be addressed timely if needed before complications arise.
Hypertension is indeed a serious cardiovascular condition with potentially devastating consequences if left unchecked but early diagnosis coupled with preventive measures along with appropriate medication are key steps towards keeping this condition under control so one lives life without fear of having any major cardiac event happening due them later down in adulthood life!