The Impact of Uncontrolled Hypertension on the Heart

Available data indicate that raised blood pressure (BP) represents the greatest single contributor to the global burden of disease and to global mortality [1]. According to the results of a large meta-analysis that included about one million adults, each increase in systolic BP (SBP) of 20 mm Hg and/or each 10 mm Hg increase in diastolic BP (DBP) doubles the risk of fatal coronary events [2]. The relationship between BP and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality may be recognized even below the traditional thresholds for hypertension (HTN), being evident over the BP range of 115/75–185/115 mm Hg; the increased risk is evident for all ages, although the absolute risk increases with increasing age. Several risk factors for CHD, such as dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and sedentary habits, are frequently associated with HTN and contribute to the increased risk of CHD.