Can high blood pressure cause a heart attack? Understanding the risks and prevention
High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because it can cause severe damage to your body without obvious symptoms.
One of the most significant risks associated with high blood pressure is heart disease, including heart attacks. But how exactly does hypertension contribute to a heart attack?
In this blog, we will discuss the link between high blood pressure and heart attacks and the risks involved.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that affects the arteries, making the heart work harder to circulate blood. It occurs when the force of blood against artery walls remains consistently high.
Blood pressure is measured and recorded in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and is categorised as follows:
- Normal: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129 mm Hg (top number) and below 80 mm Hg (bottom number)
- Stage 1 hypertension: 130-139 mm Hg (top) or 80-89 mm Hg (bottom)
- Stage 2 hypertension: 140 mm Hg or higher (top) or 90 mm Hg or higher (bottom)
What is the main cause of high blood pressure?
The main cause of high blood pressure varies from person to person, but a combination of lifestyle choices, genetics, and underlying health conditions generally influences it:
- Consuming too much salt, processed foods, and unhealthy fats
- Lack of physical activity
- Weight gain and obesity
- Chronic stress
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Underlying conditions, such as kidney disease and diabetes
How does high blood pressure affect the heart?
High blood pressure causes hardening of the arterial wall leading to its narrowing and thus restricting blood flow
When blood flow is severely restricted or blocked, the affected part of the heart is deprived of oxygen and essential nutrients. This lack of oxygen supply results in a heart attack.
How high does blood pressure have to be to cause a heart attack?
There is no exact blood pressure level that directly triggers a heart attack, but extremely high readings significantly increases the risk.
Generally, a hypertensive crisis—when blood pressure reaches 180/120 mmHg or higher—requires immediate medical attention because it can result in life-threatening complications, like a heart attack or stroke.
However, even moderate hypertension (140/90 mmHg and above) over time can damage arteries, increasing the likelihood of a heart attack. The longer high blood pressure goes unmanaged, the greater the risk of serious heart problems.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack with high blood pressure?
If you have high blood pressure and experience a heart attack, you may notice symptoms like:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cold sweats and extreme fatigue
How to reduce high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack?
- Checking your blood pressure regularly – Monitor your numbers to detect problems early.
- Eating a healthy diet – Choose fruits, vegetables and lean proteins while limiting salt and unhealthy fats.
- Staying active – Strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
- Maintaining a healthy weight – Losing extra pounds relieves stress on your heart.
- Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol – These habits damage your blood vessels.
- Managing stress – Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to keep your blood pressure steady.
- Taking medications if needed – If lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient, your doctor may recommend medication to control hypertension.
Can you live normally with high blood pressure?
Yes, it is possible to live a normal life with high blood pressure, but it requires consistent management.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and regular health check-ups can help keep hypertension under control and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
By taking the necessary steps, individuals with high blood pressure can lead a long and healthy life.
Consult Dr Tamkeen Kinah for high blood pressure management in Dubai.
With the right approach, including lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring, you can take control of your heart health.
Dr Tamkeen Kinah, a leading Consultant Cardiologist and Heart Specialist in Dubai, specialises in Clinical and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine.
With vast expertise and a patient-centred approach, he provides personalised treatment plans to effectively manage hypertension and safeguard heart health.
If you are concerned about high blood pressure, schedule a consultation with Dr Tamkeen Kinah today for expert guidance and comprehensive care.
FAQs
Yes, a heart attack can occur even with normal blood pressure and pulse due to factors like blocked arteries, blood clots, or heart disease. Other risk factors, such as high cholesterol and diabetes, can also contribute.
Yes, severe hypertension can lead to life-threatening events such as a stroke, heart attack, or heart failure during sleep. Uncontrolled hypertension greatly increases the risk of sudden cardiac events, especially if left untreated for a long time.
High blood pressure can silently damage arteries, the heart, and other organs over the years. Without treatment, complications like heart disease, kidney damage, or stroke may develop within a few years or even sooner in severe cases.
Symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, nausea, severe headache, or loss of consciousness. A hypertensive crisis (180/120 mmHg or higher) can result in fatal heart attacks or strokes if untreated.
Triggers include stress, excessive salt intake, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, lack of sleep, certain medications, or an underlying medical condition. Sudden spikes may also result from anxiety or intense physical activity.
5 tips to quickly lower blood pressure,
- practice deep breathing,
- sit and relax,
- drink water,
- reduce salt intake,
- and avoid caffeine or stress triggers.
If blood pressure is dangerously high, seek immediate medical attention.
