There are various cardiovascular diseases out there, so how are hypertension, heart disease, and stroke related? Keep reading to find out.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to various health problems over time including heart disease and stroke. In addition, some types of heart disease can increase your risk of stroke. The following is an overview of the connection between hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
Connecting Hypertension, Heart Disease, and Stroke
Hypertension reduces blood flow to the heart, which leads to heart disease, and also damages the arteries that supply blood to your brain, which leads to stroke. Furthermore, one-third of people who have a stroke also have heart disease. Stroke itself also increases the risk of heart complications like heart attack and heart failure.
Hypertension and Heart Disease
Hypertension also makes your arteries more likely to develop plaque buildup, resulting in atherosclerosis. Due to the increased pressure, the heart muscle also thickens, which makes it less elastic and more prone to circulation issues. As a result, hypertension can lead to heart disease which can lead to coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart failure.
Hypertension and Stroke
Because of the damaging effects of high blood pressure on your arteries, it can lead to stroke. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke happens when your arteries become narrow and can’t supply blood to the brain. In contrast, a hemorrhagic stroke happens when your arteries become weak and burst, causing sudden bleeding.
High Blood Pressure and Your Health
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers: your systolic blood pressure (top number) and your diastolic blood pressure (bottom number). According to recent guidelines, here are the different stages of high blood pressure:
- Normal: less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/less than 80 mm Hg
- Hypertension Stage 1: 130-139/80-89 mm Hg
- Hypertension Stage 2: 140 or higher/90 or higher mm Hg
- Hypertension Crisis: higher than 180/higher than 120 mm Hg
Unfortunately, high blood pressure typically has no symptoms, which is why many call it the “silent killer.” However, there are many things you can do to lower your blood pressure and decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke.
For instance, you can maintain a healthy weight range, exercise regularly, limit your sodium intake, and eat heart-healthy foods. You can also manage your stress levels, take prescription medications as necessary, and take supplements like L-arginine Plus.
As a heart health supplement, its ingredients promote circulation, blood pressure, cholesterol, and more. Give your heart the support it deserves by lowering your blood pressure and risk of heart disease and stroke. If you want an extra boost, take L-arginine Plus to enhance your blood flow and overall heart health.