Hypertensive heart disease

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Hypertension

The goals of treatment are to reduce blood pressure and control the heart disease. Treatment of heart disease depends on the conditions that are present (acute myocardial infarction, angina, heart failure, and so on).

Common medications include diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, and direct vasodilators. intravenous diazoxide or nitroprusside may be prescribed if hypertension is extremely severe and intensive care is necessary.

Blood pressure should be checked at regular intervals (as recommended by your health care provider) to monitor the condition. Frequent blood pressure measurements performed at home are often recommended for patients who have difficult-to-control high blood pressure. Diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other conditions that increase the risk of heart disease should be carefully controlled.

In addition to medications, recommended lifestyle changes include weight loss, exercise, and dietary adjustments. Dietary recommendations include increasing fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Whole grains, poultry, and fish are also generally recommended. Trans fats and saturated fats should be avoided.

Patients may benefit from reducing salt intake. If you smoke, stop smoking -- cigarettes are a major cause of hypertension and related heart disease. Reducing excessive alcohol consumption may also help.

The risk for complications depends heavily on the extent of left ventricle enlargement (hypertrophy). The larger this section of the heart becomes, the greater the chance of complications. Treating hypertension may reduce the amount of left ventricle damage.

Several studies have shown that certain medications such as the ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and the diuretic spironolactone can reverse left ventricular hypertrophy and prolong survival in patients with heart failure from hypertensive heart disease.

Nonetheless, this is a serious disease that carries the risk of sudden death.

• Heart failure
• Arrhythmias
• Heart attack
• Angina
• Sudden death

Call your health care provider if hypertension has been diagnosed and symptoms develop.

Review Date: 11/06/2006
Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.