Is hypertension considered cardiovascular disease
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Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease: Understanding the Connection
Hypertension as a Major Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is widely recognized as a significant risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It is strongly associated with conditions such as coronary artery disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, valvular heart diseases, cardiac arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, cerebral stroke, and renal failure. The relationship between blood pressure and cardiovascular events is continuous, meaning that even high-normal blood pressure can increase the risk of CVD .
Hypertension and Diabetes: A Dangerous Combination
The interplay between hypertension and diabetes significantly elevates the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension is approximately twice as common in individuals with diabetes compared to those without the condition. Conversely, hypertensive individuals are more likely to develop diabetes. Up to 75% of cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients can be attributed to hypertension, underscoring the need for aggressive blood pressure management in this population .
Prehypertension: An Early Indicator of Cardiovascular Risk
Prehypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure between 120-139 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure between 85-89 mm Hg, is now recognized as a precursor to hypertension and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This category highlights the continuum of risk associated with increasing blood pressure levels and the potential for early intervention to prevent progression to full-blown hypertension .
Economic and Public Health Impact of Hypertension
Hypertension is not only a health concern but also a significant economic burden. In the United States, hypertension was a primary or contributing cause of over 427,000 deaths in 2014, with heart disease and stroke being the leading causes of death. The economic cost of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases is substantial, amounting to billions of dollars annually.
Hypertension and Aging: Compounding Risks
Aging and hypertension are two major risk factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension can lead to myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure if left untreated. The structural and functional changes in the heart due to hypertension and aging are complex and involve various cellular and molecular alterations.
Conclusion
In summary, hypertension is a critical risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, significantly impacting morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Its relationship with other conditions like diabetes further exacerbates the risk, making early detection and management crucial. Understanding the continuum of blood pressure levels and their impact on cardiovascular health can help in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular diseases.
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