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Excessive Cholesterol And Hypertension: Here's What Happens Inside Your Heart When Cholesterol And Blood Pressure Goes Up Together
Here's What Happens Inside Your Heart When Cholesterol And Blood Pressure Goes Up Together Ever thought what may happen inside your heart when both high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels strike you? Read on to know everything.High blood pressure and high cholesterol come in the category of modifiable risk factors for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD). Either individually or as part of metabolic syndrome they increase the risk of development of Heart disease. In this article, we take a close look at how the heart gets affected when high cholesterol and hypertension strike the body together. To understand the conditions and their implications better, we have Dr Bharat Vijay Purohit, Sr. Consultant Interventional Cardiologist & Director of Cath Lab, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, with us. Scroll down to know what the doctor has to say about the like between the two chronic conditions and how they affect the heart functioning.
High Blood Pressure And High Cholesterol: The Affect They Have On The HeartPersistently Elevated BP leads to the hardening of arteries and causes the thickening of the heart muscle (Hypertrophy). This causes complications in the body from head to toe. It causes Brain stroke (both ischaemic and hemorrhagic), Dementia Retinopathy in the eye, Heart failure (predominantly with preserved ejection fraction), cardiomyopathy, Heart attack, irregular heartbeat (Atrial fibrillation), Aortic syndromes (e.G. Aneurysm or dissection of the aorta), Kidney failure, erectile dysfunction, Peripheral arterial disease etc. All these are potentially life-threatening.
Similarly high cholesterol also leads to deposition of the fatty substance in the walls of the arteries (plaque formation) leading to a reduction in blood supply to that part of the body causing ischaemic symptoms and sometimes when these plaques rupture they precipitate blood clot formation leading to stroke either heart or brain depending on the artery where clot forms. Various manifestation of these plaque formations depends on the organs involved and whether it leads to the formation of a narrowing or vessel(stenosis) or ballooning out of the vessel wall (Aneurysm formation).
Various diseases where plaque formation is central are Brain stroke, heart attack, Blindness, Aortic syndromes( Aortic aneurysm or Aortic stenosis or dissection or combination of these), Renal artery stenosis, Abdominal angina (Stenosis of blood supply to intestines) Erectile dysfunction, Claudication in leg or gangrene of feet or leg(due to stenosis of blood supply to leg arteries).
A simple measure of control of BP by lifestyle modification like salt reduction, low-fat dairy food intake, regular exercise, stop smoking, reduction in alcohol intake, Stress reducing measures, and avoiding causing high BP or high cholesterol will lead to a significant reduction in BP and cholesterol levels leading to a reduction in the incidence of these dreaded diseases.
High Cholesterol SymptomsHigh cholesterol is a condition in which the LDL levels of the body cross 200 leading to some complicated health conditions. Cholesterol is basically a fatty waxy substance which is found in the blood. It helps in the making of new cells and the production of important hormones. However, high levels of this cholesterol in the blood can lead to severe problems in the body. Some of the signs that may show up when your cholesterol levels are way too high are:
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension is a condition which comes no to mild symptoms, which is why sometimes it is also called the 'silent killer'. However, in some cases, things can appear on your body (subtle signs of hypertension) when your BP is high. These signs include:
Look out for these signs and symptoms as they can be a warning call of something serious about to happen inside your body.
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What To Know About Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Aug. 13—(StatePoint) Each year, an estimated 500-1,000 people nationwide are diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While there's currently no cure, treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.
The American Lung Association, with support from Janssen, launched a new campaign to ensure patients get an earlier, accurate PAH diagnosis and feel empowered to participate in discussions regarding treatment options. As part of the campaign, they're also sharing insights from Lindsay T., a patient living with PAH.
—PAH defined: PAH is a progressive disorder and one form of a broader condition known as pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the lungs. In PAH, this increased pressure in the vessels is caused by obstruction in the small arteries in the lung, and can occur for a variety of reasons.
—Causes: While the cause of PAH is usually unknown, about 15-20% of patients have inherited the condition. Most common in women ages 30-60, PAH disproportionately impacts African American and Hispanic women.
—Symptoms: Individuals are initially asymptomatic and then begin to experience symptoms similar to other common lung diseases, such as shortness of breath and fatigue. For this reason, PAH can be difficult to diagnose — 74% of patients are diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease. Eventually, symptoms can include swelling of the feet, legs, abdomen and neck, dizziness and fainting spells, chest pain, heart palpitations, and lips and fingers turning blue.
"When I was 23, I started noticing that when I would walk, I would get out of breath really easily. At first, I thought I was just out of shape. It took about a year for my doctors to say it was pulmonary arterial hypertension," says Lindsay.
—Diagnosis: To confirm diagnosis, a right heart catheterization is needed to measure pressure in the heart and lungs. Providers will typically rule out other common diseases with less invasive tests first. An accurate diagnosis of the correct type of pulmonary hypertension helps ensure prompt, optimal treatment. When PAH is suspected, patients should be referred to a PAH specialist at an accredited center. Left untreated, PAH compromises heart function, which can lead to heart failure and even death.
—Treatment: Patients should see their specialist regularly for structured evaluations. This allows for tailored treatment plans.
Treatment may include supportive therapies, such as supplemental oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation and diuretic medications, as well as specific treatment, including medications that dilate blood vessels and affect the vasculature to reduce the increased resistance of blood flow that contributes to right-sided heart failure.
There are many clinical trials occurring right now. Those interested should speak with their healthcare provider or visit Clinicaltrails.Gov.
—Tracking: Tracking symptoms is a vital part of self-management of the condition.
"One of the most important things to do while living with PAH is to learn to listen to your body because it'll tell you if you need something, and that's information that you can talk about with your healthcare team," says Lindsay, who after noticing worsening symptoms, spoke to her specialist who then started her on a new medication.
Lindsay also advises patients to become their own advocates. "Research empowered me to take control of my diagnosis and actually make decisions for my healthcare," she says.
—Support: Support groups give patients a chance to connect with others living with their condition. Patients can also learn more at Lung.Org/PAH.
While PAH is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition, proper treatment can make the disease manageable. After finding the right treatment plan, Lindsay is thriving.
"This life I lead today, I'm physically active. I teach high school algebra. I'm successfully managing my PAH. It's not easy, but it's possible," says Lindsay.
Photo Credit: (c) American Lung Association
What's Considered High Blood Pressure (HBP)?
Medically reviewed by Kashif J. Piracha, MD
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force of your blood against the walls of your blood vessels. Low blood pressure can make it difficult for all your tissues to get blood. High blood pressure ( hypertension) can move blood with too much force.
Your arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to all the tissues and organs in your body. While the volume of blood delivered throughout your body is essential, the efficiency with which your blood travels is an integral part of the process.
This article will explore standard blood pressure measurements and what is considered too high, how blood pressure increases, and what you can do to keep your blood pressure measurements healthy.
What Is High Blood Pressure in Physiology?High blood pressure is an increased force on your blood vessel walls. This can happen for many reasons. If your cholesterol is high, your blood vessels can narrow or become blocked. This can reduce vessel wall compliance (the ability of a blood vessel wall to expand or contract with changes in pressure) and lead to increased blood pressure.
As a result, your heart increases the force it uses to pump blood through these smaller vessels. Approximately 95% of high blood pressure is called "essential" or "primary," which can develop as part of the normal aging process, though sometimes it occurs in younger people.
Certain medications, your diet, weight, and how much exercise you get can also affect your blood pressure.
Causes and Risk FactorsSome of the causes and risk factors of high blood pressure include the following:
What Is a High Blood Pressure Reading?There are two parts to your blood pressure measurement: systolic and diastolic.
Systolic: The top or first number in a blood pressure reading is the systolic pressure. It measures the force of the blood against your vessel walls when your heart is contracting or actively pumping blood.
Diastolic: The bottom or second number, your diastolic pressure, is the force your blood puts on vessel walls when your heart is being refilled and is at rest.
Typical "normal" blood pressure readings vary based on your age, gender, race, size, and health status. General guidelines suggest that keeping your systolic blood pressure below 120 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and your diastolic pressure below 80 mmHg is best. Below is a list of blood pressure readings and how they are categorized by risk.
Normal: 120/80 and under
Elevated: 120–129/80 or less
Stage 1 Hypertension: 130–139/80–89
Stage 2 hypertension: 140 and higher/90 and higher
Hypertensive crisis: 180 and higher/120 and higher
While these are considered normal blood pressure levels and limits, these blood pressure ranges change with age. Children and teens have blood pressure readings that usually run lower but may depend on their height, weight, and stage of development.
In older adults, the normal range of blood pressure is usually 130/80 instead of 120/80. This type of blood pressure measurement may be called isolated systolic hypertension, and its the result of a gradual stiffening of your arteries that happens naturally with age.
HBP Meaning in Terms of Health RisksHigh blood pressure can lead to various health problems, including:
Heart attack
Heart failure
Kidney disease
Stroke
Vascular dementia
High blood pressure makes your heart work harder, weakening it over time. It also puts too much pressure on the tissues at the receiving end of the blood. For example, high-pressure blood flow into the kidneys damages the delicate renal (kidney) cells over time, leading to kidney disease or failure.
High blood pressure can also loosen calcifications or fat deposits within your blood vessels, causing a heart attack or stroke if those clots travel to the heart or brain.
Asymptomatic vs. Symptomatic HypertensionAsymptomatic hypertension is when you have a high blood pressure reading with no symptoms. People with symptomatic hypertension may experience the following symptoms:
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Dizziness
Headache
Sweating
Shaking or tremors
In the early stages of high blood pressure, dietary changes and lifestyle changes may be enough to lower your blood pressure to a healthy range. However, as you approach stage 1 hypertension, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe medication to help reduce your blood pressure and recommend diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.
Most people with stage 2 hypertension require medication to control their blood pressure. Some people have blood pressure that's so high it becomes a hypertensive crisis, a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
There are certain situations, though, when your blood pressure might have to be managed differently due to other things happening inside your body.
In PregnancyBlood pressure increases during pregnancy are often the result of high blood volumes but can also be a sign of severe complications like preeclampsia.
Treatment for high blood pressure during pregnancy is tricky because of the risk of treatment complications both for the gestational carrier and the growing fetus. Many international organizations recommend treating hypertension when blood pressure rises above 130/80 in pregnancy, however, certain circumstances require individualized care.
A primary healthcare provider will work alongside an obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) to help manage high blood pressure during pregnancy to ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby and lower the risks of serious cardiovascular complications.
With Chronic DiseasePeople with an existing chronic disease who also develop high blood pressure may have to tread lightly regarding blood pressure management. Certain medications used to lower blood pressure may not be appropriate to use alongside some conditions.
A healthcare provider will discuss the risks vs. Benefits of treatment, weighing the severity of your hypertension alongside how treatment might impact your other health conditions. Not addressing high blood pressure could worsen or complicate other health problems, such as heart failure and high cholesterol.
Some research has raised concern that using blood pressure-lowering treatments in older adults, frail individuals, or those with multiple serious medical issues can increase their risk of serious complications. However, numerous studies suggest treating hypertension in these populations is still necessary and appropriate.
At NightBlood pressure, heart rate, and other body functions often decrease at night when your body is at rest, but when your blood pressure increases during sleep, this is known as nocturnal hypertension. People who experience nocturnal hypertension are usually at an increased risk for serious cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.
Nocturnal hypertension may be related to other conditions, such as sleep apnea, requiring specific medications at bedtime.
During Serious IllnessThere are also times during acute or serious illnesses when desired ranges for your blood pressure are different from what is standard. One example is after a stroke. If your stroke is treated with intense blood thinners called tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), your blood pressure will be maintained at a range with a systolic pressure of 180 or less and a diastolic pressure of 105 or less.
However, if you are not treated with t-PA, a healthcare provider may recommend permissive hypertension. This means your systolic blood pressure could increase to 220 without treatment. Permissive hypertension aims to keep your blood flow strong to areas around the stroke so these areas do not enlarge in size.
Integrated Treatment Approach to Reducing Blood PressureManaging blood pressure isn't something you can usually accomplish with a single pill or treatment. You should also address any underlying issues that are contributing to your high blood pressure, such as sleep apnea, obesity, or high cholesterol
A healthcare provider will recommend lifestyle changes, including stress management, diet changes, and more exercise.
Healthcare providers prescribe medications to lower blood pressure that does not improve with lifestyle changes alone or when your blood pressure is very high and needs to be lowered quickly. Examples of blood pressure medications include:
Diuretics
Beta-blockers
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
Calcium channel blockers
Alpha blockers, alpha-2 receptor agonists
Combined alpha and beta-blockers
Vasodilators
For most people, blood pressure higher than 120/80 is a sign to start changing their lifestyle. However, lifestyle changes aren't enough in certain circumstances, such as severe illness or genetic predisposition to hypertension. If your blood pressure climbs high enough, a healthcare provider will prescribe medications to keep it within a healthy range and reduce your risk of developing other health problems.
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