Uncontrolled hypertension a major risk factor for coronary artery disease

 Dr Shailendra Trivedi, Director-Dept. of Cardiology, Medanta Hospital Indore 

Awareness needs to be raised on leading a healthy lifestyle and managing blood pressure through regular monitoring

 

According to studies, uncontrolled hypertension is linked to 24% of coronary artery disease (CAD)-related deaths. 1 CAD is one of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity in both developed and developing countries alike. On World Heart Day, there is a need to raise awareness on lifestyle changes and regular monitoring of blood pressure to prevent CAD and avoid complications.

CAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to heart muscle become hardened and narrowed. This is due to the build-up of cholesterol and other material, called plaque, on their inner walls. This build up is called atherosclerosis. As it grows, less blood can flow through the arteries. As a result, the heart muscle cannot get the blood or oxygen it needs. This can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.

 
Speaking about this, Dr Shailendra Trivedi, Director-Dept. of Cardiology, Medanta Hospital Indore, said, “For patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), it is important to keep blood pressure under control. In combination with CAD, uncontrolled hypertension can raise the risk for various heart complications including stroke. Shortness of breath, palpitations (irregular heartbeats, skipped beats, or a flip-flop feeling in the chest), faster heartbeat, weakness or dizziness, nausea, and sweating are some of the classic symptoms of CAD. Those with a family history of heart disease need to be extra careful and get regular check- ups.”

Uncontrolled hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure 90 mmHg among those taking antihypertensive medications. Adding further, Dr Trivedi, said, “In CAD, blood to the heart is restricted, starving it of oxygen. This plaque could then rupture, leading to a heart attack or sudden cardiac death. The process of blockage of arteries starts right from the time one is born. However, what makes it faster is the food we eat, the lifestyle, the amount of physical activity, and genetic make-up. Paying attention to these minor details can go a long way in reducing the risk of
acquiring both high blood pressure and associated health conditions at a young age.”

In people who develop complications, it is imperative to provide immediate treatment. An Angioplasty may be recommended in those who have blocked or narrowed arteries in order to restore and improve blood flow. It helps to minimize or avoid the damage to the heart muscles. The procedure entails the insertion of a long, thin tube (catheter) into the narrowed part of the artery. A thin wire mesh (Stent) mounted on a deflated balloon is then passed through the catheter to the narrowed area. The balloon is inflated, compressing the deposits against the artery walls and leaving expanded stent embedded in the artery. Drug- eluting stents release medication to help heal the stressed arteries post procedure. Few drug-eluting stents are USFDA approved and well-studied for safe use in patients with complications such as diabetes, high bleeding risk or in patients who might have to interrupt medication a month after angioplasty.

The following tips can help in preventing the onset of CAD and managing blood pressure. Quit smoking: Smoking doubles the risk of any cardiovascular ailments and is best avoided. Eat healthy foods: Get at least 5% to 10% of daily calories from omega-3 and omega-6fatty acids. Good sources include vegetable oils such as sunflower, safflower, corn, and soybean as well as nuts and seeds.

Exercise regularly: About 30 minutes of physical activity per day is ideal to improve heart

and overall health.

Reduce stress: Opt for techniques such as yoga and meditation, which act as good stress busters.

Ends –

Disclaimer: “Any and all the Information provided in the article are independent views

expressed by Dr Shailendra Trivedi (Director-Dept. of Cardiology – Medanta Hospital

Indore) for general overview and educational purposes only.”