High blood pressure (hypertension) is a health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death globally. It is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it typically shows no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Studies have consistently shown a strong link between hypertension and heart health. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, which significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Hence, it is essential to understand the connection between high blood pressure and heart health is crucial for preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. We got in touch with Dr Mukesh Goel, Senior Consultant, Cardiothoracic, Heart and Lung Transplant Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.

Dr Mukesh Goel shares that high blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the blood vessels is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number). A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure is defined as a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher.

Dr Mukesh Goel explains high blood pressure can damage the heart in several ways:

1. Cardiac Hypertrophy: High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, leading to thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophy). This can reduce the heart's efficiency and increase the risk of heart failure.

2. Coronary Artery Disease: High blood pressure can damage the coronary arteries, leading to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and increasing the risk of heart attack.

3. Heart Failure: High blood pressure can lead to heart failure by reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

4. Arrhythmias: High blood pressure can increase the risk of arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), which can be life-threatening.

Dr Mukesh Goel shares certain factors increase the risk of developing high blood pressure:

1. Age: Blood pressure increases with age.

2. Family History: A family history of high blood pressure increases an individual's risk.

3. Obesity: Excess weight increases blood pressure.

4. Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to high blood pressure.

5. Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure.

6. Diet: A diet high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats can increase blood pressure.

Dr Mukesh Goel shares high blood pressure can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment:

- Engage in regular physical activity.

- Follow a balanced diet (e.g., DASH diet).

- Maintain a healthy weight.

- Limit sodium intake.

- Quit smoking.

- Diuretics.

- Beta-blockers.

- ACE inhibitors.

- Calcium channel blockers.