Final answer:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a persistent elevation of blood pressure known to significantly increase the risk of heart disease, including heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure. Managing hypertension through lifestyle or medication is vital to lowering this risk. Psychological factors also influence the prevalence of hypertension, thus impacting cardiovascular health.
Step-by-step explanation:
There is indeed an assumed relationship between hypertension (HTN) and heart disease. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is when the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated above the normal range. This condition forces the heart to pump harder to move blood through the body, which increases the physical strain on the heart. Over time, this can contribute to serious health problems, including heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure. Moreover, hypertension can cause damage leading to kidney failure and vision loss. Controlling blood pressure through lifestyle modifications or medication is essential to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases—including stroke.
The progression of related conditions like atherosclerosis, characterized by the buildup of fatty plaques within the arteries, can profoundly impact cardiovascular health as well. Treatment and management of hypertension and atherosclerosis are key in preventing most cases of cardiovascular disease.
External factors such as stress, job strain, marital conflict, and perceived discrimination have also been linked to cardiovascular problems, further highlighting the complex interactions between psychological factors and cardiovascular health. The prevention and treatment of hypertension is not limited to medication, as adopting healthier lifestyles with diet modifications and reducing stress also play a crucial role.