Hypertensive heart disease refers to a constellation of changes in the left ventricle, left atrium and coronary arteries as a result of chronic blood pressure elevation. Hypertension increases the workload on the heart inducing structural and functional changes in the myocardium. These changes include hypertrophy of the left ventricle, which can progress to heart failure.
Clinically, hypertensive heart disease is characterized by the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in the absence of a cause other than arterial hypertension.
Hypertensive heart disease can cause serious health problems. Hypertensive heart disease can lead to either diastolic heart failure, systolic failure or a combination of the two. Such patients are at a higher risk for developing acute complications such as decompensated heart failure, acute coronary syndrome or sudden cardiac death.
The main risk factor for hypertensive heart disease is high blood pressure. The risk increases if the person overweight, not exercise enough, smoking, eating food high in fat and cholesterol.
Hypertensive heart disease: Heart conditions due to high blood pressure