What is Hypertension and Why Does it Matter for the Heart?

Hypertension is a common yet often overlooked health condition that affects a large number of people in Ireland. Many individuals don’t even realise they have it, as it can present no symptoms while still causing serious damage over time. Left undetected, hypertension can lead to a range of complications, particularly affecting the heart, which makes it vital to spot it early and seek support to reduce the risk of long-term cardiac problems. A cardiology clinic offers expert consultations to help monitor and manage hypertension. In this post, we’ll explain what hypertension is, what causes it, and why it matters for your heart health.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls remains consistently too high. Over time, this pressure puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions. It can often cause damage without any obvious symptoms, meaning many people remain unaware until complications have already developed. It can affect people of all ages and often goes undiagnosed without routine health checks. 

Blood pressure monitoring, which is available at Precision Health, is an important part of protecting your long-term heart health. Early diagnosis allows for effective management and lifestyle changes, and with the right support, hypertension can often be controlled and its risks significantly reduced.

What Causes Hypertension?

There are many reasons someone might develop high blood pressure. Some causes are linked to lifestyle habits, while others relate to underlying medical conditions or family history. It’s important to understand these causes to help reduce the risks where possible. Here are three of the most common contributors to hypertension:

• Unhealthy Diet

A diet that is high in salt, saturated fats, and processed foods can significantly raise your blood pressure. These ingredients affect how your body regulates fluid and blood flow, putting additional pressure on the circulatory system. Over time, poor dietary choices can place unnecessary strain on the heart and arteries.

• Lack of Physical Activity

Not getting enough exercise reduces cardiovascular fitness and weakens the heart. It also increases the likelihood of weight gain, which is a major risk factor for high blood pressure. Together, these effects can lead to a greater chance of developing hypertension.

• Chronic Stress or Medical Conditions

Long-term stress can also keep the body in a heightened state of alert, causing blood pressure to remain elevated. This ongoing pressure can affect the heart and blood vessels if not managed properly. Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, or side effects from medication, can also contribute to the development of hypertension.

Why Does Hypertension Matter for the Heart?

Elevated blood pressure puts direct stress on the heart, which is why it’s important to keep your blood pressure under control. For those with hypertension, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, which can cause it to become enlarged or weakened over time. 

This makes it less efficient and increases the risk of long-term complications. By booking a visit to a cardiology clinic, specialists can check for hypertension and provide the tailored treatment and support you need if it’s detected. Below are three of the most significant ways hypertension can negatively impact the heart.

• Increased Risk of Heart Disease: Consistently high blood pressure puts excessive strain on the walls of your arteries. Over time, this can cause damage and lead to the build-up of fatty deposits, known as plaque. This process increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease, which can restrict blood flow to the heart.

• Higher Chance of Heart Attack or Stroke: Hypertension can make your arteries more vulnerable to blockages or ruptures. A blocked artery can lead to a heart attack, while a ruptured blood vessel in the brain may result in a stroke. Both are serious, life-threatening events that require immediate medical attention.

• Heart Failure Over Time: When your heart is consistently working harder to pump blood, the muscle can become enlarged or weakened. This reduces its ability to pump blood effectively around the body. If left untreated, this strain can lead to heart failure, a condition where the heart can no longer function properly.

How Can Hypertension be Managed?

If someone has hypertension, it can often be managed effectively through a combination of lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medical treatment. Eating a balanced diet that is low in salt and saturated fats, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and reducing alcohol intake can all help to lower blood pressure. Managing stress levels and quitting smoking are also important steps. These lifestyle changes not only help reduce blood pressure but also support overall heart health.

In some cases, medication may be required to keep blood pressure within a safe range. You may be prescribed antihypertensive drugs, which work in different ways to relax blood vessels, reduce fluid levels, or slow the heart rate.

Book a Consultation at our Cardiology Clinic at Precision Health 

Precision Health, are personal and workplace health and wellness experts. We have a cardiology clinic where you can book a consultation with a specialist to assess you for hypertension, and offer personalised treatment if needed. A consultation will include an assessment, medical history review, physical examination, and testing to check for high blood pressure, all carried out by our qualified professionals. They can also ensure there you have no underlying issues and receive the treatment or advice to keep your heart health fully on track. Book an appointment online and if you have any questions about hypertension or any of our other cardiac services, feel free to contact our team today and we’ll be happy to help.