Hypertensive heart disease is a complication of hypertension that affects an estimated 7 out of every 1,000 people. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, increases the workload of the heart, leading to thickening of the heart muscles, ischematic heart disease, heart failure, and hypertensive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Without early diagnosis and treatment, hypertensive heart disease is often fatal. If you suspect you may be at risk of developing this condition, you should speak with your doctor as soon as possible. Treatment can prolong or save your life.
Instructions
1. If you suffer from high blood pressure, or have other risk factors for hypertensive heart disease, it is important to visit your doctor for evaluation and testing. Your doctor will physically examine you for signs of the disease, including elevated blood pressure, fluid in your lungs, enlargement of your heart, and unusual heart sounds. Your doctor may also perform tests, such as an electrocardiogram, cardiac stress test, coronary angiogram, or echocardiogram, in order to diagnose you.
2. If your doctor believes you are suffering from, or at an increased risk of developing, hypertensive heart disease, he will start by treating the underlying hypertension. Together, you will need to discuss a treatment plan, such as possible medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
3. Typically, the first line of treatment for high blood pressure and hypertensive heart disease is the use of medications. Drugs such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, vasodilators, and angitensin II receptor blockers are all used to reduce blood pressure and manage hypertensive heart disease. Medication may be used alone, or your doctor may prescribe a combination of medications to be taken daily.
4. In addition to medications, changes in diet and lifestyle are important when treating hypertensive heart disease. Your weight should be closely monitored, both at home and by your doctor, and you will need to avoid the use of tobacco, alcohol, saturated fats, and foods high in sodium. Dietary changes include increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. You will need to keep track of your blood pressure, and bring any changes to the immediate attention of your doctor. Regular exercise can also be beneficial, but you must discuss any new program with your doctor before beginning.
5. When medications and lifestyle changes are not sufficient, surgery may be necessary. Depending on the exact cause of your hypertensive heart disease, surgery may be your best or only treatment option. Coronary bypass grafting, mitral valve repair, and vascular surgeries to repair blood vessel defects may dramatically improve your condition and long-term prognosis.
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