Hypertensive heart disease

Hypertensive heart disease refers to coronary artery disease, heart failure, and enlargement of the heart that occur because of high blood pressure.

See also:

• Hypertension
• Malignant hypertension

High blood pressure increases the pressure in blood vessels. As the heart pumps against this pressure, it must work harder. Over time, this causes the heart muscle to thicken and the left ventricle to become enlarged. The amount of blood pumped by the heart each minute (cardiac output) goes down. Without treatment, symptoms of congestive heart failure may develop.

High blood pressure is the most common risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It can cause ischemic heart disease from the increased supply of oxygen needed by the thicker heart muscle.

High blood pressure also contributes to thickening of the blood vessel walls. This may worsen atherosclerosis (increased cholesterol deposits in the blood vessels). This also increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

Hypertensive heart disease is the leading cause of illness and death from high blood pressure.

The heart complications that develop determine the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outlook of hypertensive heart disease.

See also:

• Angina
• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Heart failure
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy