High blood pressure is a condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently elevated. It is a chronic disease manageable with medication and lifestyle changes as advised by a doctor. Untreated high blood pressure severely impacts the heart.

Heart muscle thickens and enlarges

When blood pressure remains high, the heart must pump harder to circulate blood throughout the body. Over time, the left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber, thickens and enlarges, a condition known as left ventricular hypertrophy. This thickening and stiffening of the heart wall makes the heart less efficient at filling with blood, leading to its weakening over time. This condition increases the risk of heart failure, arrhythmias, and even sudden death.

Increased risk of heart attack

High blood pressure damages the inner lining of arteries, causing small tears over time. The body attempts to repair these tears, but cholesterol and other fats can accumulate at the damaged sites, forming plaques. This process, called atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. If a plaque ruptures, it can completely block blood flow, leading to a myocardial infarction.

Heart failure from overwork

When blood pressure is high, the heart works harder, becomes weaker, and cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's demands, a condition known as congestive heart failure. Patients often experience symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and swollen legs. Effective blood pressure control can significantly reduce the risk of heart failure.

Heart valve damage, arrhythmias

Prolonged high blood pressure alters the heart's structure, causing heart muscle thickening, chamber dilation, and impaired valve function. These changes increase the likelihood of arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation, which is a factor that raises stroke risk.

By Le Nguyen (According to Times of India)