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High blood pressure increases the pressure in blood vessels. As the heart pumps against this pressure, it must work harder. Over time, this causes the heart muscle to thicken and the left ventricle to become enlarged. The amount of blood pumped by the heart each minute (cardiac output) goes down. Without treatment, symptoms of congestive heart failure may develop. High blood pressure is the most common risk factor for heart disease and stroke.It can cause ischemic heart disease from the increased supply of oxygen needed by the thicker heart muscle.

High blood pressure also contributes to thickening of the blood vessel walls. This may worsen atherosclerosis (increased cholesterol deposits in the blood vessels). This also increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

Hypertensive heart disease is the leading cause of illness and death from high blood pressure.

The heart complications that develop determine the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outlook of hypertensive heart disease.

Hypertensive Heart Disease Causes

1.Diabetes:People who suffer from diabetes are at an increased risk of developing hypertensive heart disease. Diabetes can harden the arteries in the body and if not properly controlled, high blood pressure can result because of this. Hardening of the arteries can lead not only to high blood pressure but also to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke as well.

2.Lifestyle Choices:Smoking and alcohol consumption are two huge contributing factors to hypertensive heart disease. Smoking even one or two cigarettes per day not only can raise blood pressure from the nicotine but the body also can react to the cravings or withdrawal from the cigarettes. As for alcohol, even people who stay away from hard liquor but drink one or two glasses of wine or beer each evening can raise their blood pressure and risk hypertensive heart disease after only a short time of living this way.

3.Diet:People who consume diets that are high in sodium and fat have a much higher risk of hypertensive heart disease. High levels of sodium in the bloodstream can cause fluid retention, which causes high blood pressure. High fat content causes the heart to work harder, which also can cause high blood pressure, resulting in heart disease over time. Diets high in cholesterol can cause narrowing of the arteries, which results in high blood pressure as well.

4.Weight:Overweight people are at an increased risk of high blood pressure, resulting in hypertensive heart disease. The extra weight is responsible for added strain on the heart and inadequate pumping.

5.Genetics: Some people are predisposed to hypertensive heart disease. In families in which one or both parents have experienced some form of hypertensive heart disease, children are much more likely to develop problems themselves even if they are careful with their health.