Is High Blood Pressure a Sign Of Heart Problems?

The medical professionals at Beverly Hills Cardiology led by Dr. Shervin Eshagian M.D. Often get asked questions regarding if high blood pressure is bad for your heart. Everyone has heard that high blood pressure can be bad, but what does it really mean? Blood pressure measures the extent of blood pushing against the artery wall as the heart beats. In other words, the higher the force of the blood that is pushing against the artery, the higher the blood pressure is. When blood pressure is high, called hypertension, it makes the heart work harder to push the blood through the circulatory system.A normal blood pressure is 120 over 80 mmHg. The first number, or the systolic pressure, is a measure of the blood pressure while the blood is in the artery. The second number, or the diastolic pressure, is a measure of the pressure when the artery is empty of blood while the heart is at rest. A high blood pressure is considered anything at or above 140 over 90 mmHg.

High blood pressure can be caused by a number of things such as smoking, alcohol consumption, genetics, sleeping habits, diet, exercise habits, and others. High blood pressure is not always a sign of a heart problem, but can lead to problems in the future and needs to be closely monitored by your doctor. When the blood pressure is high and the heart works harder than normal risk factors do start to form.

People with high blood pressure are at a much higher risk of coronary artery disease that can cause heart attacks. Coronary artery disease, also called atherosclerosis, is when plaque or fat builds up over time in the coronary arteries causing the arteries to become narrower. This allows less blood to flow to the heart, and over time to the artery can become completely blocked. Arteries supply oxygen to the body, so when blood flow is limited organs and tissue can be damaged if they are not getting enough oxygen through the blood. If a body of plaque in the artery ruptures, it can cause a blood clot to form that can lead to a heart attack.

Often, there are no signs or symptoms of high blood pressure, which is why it has been deemed the “silent killer”. Damage to the heart and other organs can occur without any warning signs. This is why it is essential to have your blood pressure checked regularly by your doctor. If you suspect high blood pressure, or if you need a heart health check then please contact Dr. Shervin Eshaghian M.D. call (310) 858-6500 to book an appointment or visit the Contact Us page.