Hypertensive Heart Disease

Definition

Hypertensive heart disease is a heart-affecting complication of high blood pressure (hypertension). It is the leading cause of death and illness in individuals with hypertension, and overall affects 7 of 1000 people, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Causes

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Complications

Angina (chest pain)

Cardiac arrythmias
Congestive heart failure
Coronary Heart Disease
Heart attack
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Ischemic heart failure
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Sudden death

Symptoms

Some of the signs and symptoms which may be present with complications of hypertensive heart disease include:

Ankle swelling
Bloating
Chest pain
Cough (in some cases bloody or frothy)
Fatigue
Foot swelling
Frequent urination at night
Irregular pulse
Nausea
Palpitations
Rapid pulse
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) with activity or when waking
Weight gain

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hypertensive heart disease is made by a doctor or medical professional, and diagnostic methods used may include blood pressure tests, checks for abnormal heart sounds, heart enlargement and lung congestion, as well as options such as echocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, chest CT scan, and coronary angiogram.

Treatment

Hypertensive heart disease treatment methods may include:

Blood pressure reduction
Diet changes
Heart disease control
Medications
Reducing alcohol ingestion
Reducing salt ingestion
Regular blood pressure checks
Quitting smoking
Weight loss