Relationship Between High Cholesterol & High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure and high cholesterol both pose a risk to our heart. But how are they related to one another? Let’s start by exploring how each of them damages our heart.
High Blood Pressure
When blood pressure is consistently high, the arteries and the heart can be damaged as a result. Over time, the heart has to work harder to pump blood against the elevated pressure in the arteries, leading to the weakening of the heart muscle and potential heart failure.
The arteries also become less elastic which decreases the blood flow to the heart. This may contribute to the risk of heart attack. Heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked and heart muscle begins to die without oxygen.
High Cholesterol
High levels of cholesterol can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries. This narrows and stiffens the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.
When the arteries that surround and supply oxygen to our heart muscle tissue become completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack, which is the death of heart muscle tissue due to a lack of blood flow.
Relationship between High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
High blood pressure and high cholesterol both pose risks to the heart. When your blood vessels are “clogged” with cholesterol, your heart has to work overtime to pump blood through them. This causes blood pressure to worsen.
That’s not all!
Over time, high blood pressure can damage arteries in its own way. It makes tears in artery walls where excess cholesterol can collect.
This results in a vicious cycle.
Protect Your Heart
Now that we know high blood pressure and high cholesterol are bad for the heart. So, what can we do to reduce the risk of getting heart diseases? You can:
Eat a balanced diet that is low in saturated and trans fats. Remember to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and improve cardiovascular health.
If you smoke, quit smoking.
High cholesterol and high blood pressure are silent killers. Remember to get your full body check with your doctor regularly to maintain a healthy heart!
References:
- High blood pressure symptoms and causes [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2021 [cited 2023 Aug 7]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm#:~:text=High%20blood%20pressure%20usually%20develops,for%20developing%20high%20blood%20pressure.
- Story CM. What’s the connection between high blood cholesterol and hypertension? [Internet]. Healthline Media; 2020 [cited 2023 Aug 7]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol/treating-with-statins/hypertension#5
- High cholesterol and high blood pressure [Internet]. WebMD; [cited 2023 Aug 7]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/high-cholesterol-and-high-blood-pressure
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