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Cardiologist explains: Know the consequences of leaving high BP untreated

Hypertension may begin quietly, but its effects on the heart build over time, often with devastating consequences if ignored. With one in four Indian adults living with high blood pressure, awareness and proactive management are more important than ever.

hypertension_(1)
hypertension_(1)
| Updated on: Sep 30, 2025 | 05:19 PM

New Delhi: High blood pressure, often referred to as hypertension, is frequently labelled a "silent killer" because it rarely causes obvious symptoms while continually damaging the heart and blood vessels. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that at least one in four adults in India has high blood pressure. If untreated, it can gradually impair heart function over the years, leading to serious complications such as a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. The first step in combating high blood pressure is understanding how it affects your heart.

In an interaction with TV9 English, Dr Nitin Prasar, Cardiologist, Silverstreak Multispeciality Hospital, explained the long-term effects of leaving hypertension untreated.

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How High Blood Pressure Strains the Heart

When blood pressure stays high, the force of blood against the artery walls increases. This means your heart has to work harder to pump blood, so it starts to wear out eventually. All of this strains the heart and eventually leads to heart problems:

  • Thickening of the heart muscle (left ventricular hypertrophy): The heart wall thickens as it struggles to push blood against resistance, and efficiency declines.
  • Coronary artery disease: High blood pressure damages the inner layer of arteries, leading to an increased risk of plaque accumulation and narrowing of the arteries.
  • Heart attack or stroke: Clogged or weakened arteries can open up, which can prevent blood flow to the heart or brain.
  • Heart failure: Prolonged overwork can eventually weaken the heart so much that it cannot pump effectively.

This slow but steady damage makes early detection and control of high blood pressure critical.

Warning Signs to Watch Out For

The majority of the time, hypertension is subtle, but eventually the heart will send a signal that it is distressed. Here are signs one should not ignore:

  • Chest pain or a tight feeling
  • Shortness of breath, even at rest
  • Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
  • Tiredness and dizziness
  • Swollen legs, ankles, or feet

Even if any of these symptoms seem mild, they should be taken seriously. They may signal that an underlying strain is occurring in the heart from high blood pressure.

Steps to Protect Your Heart

Fortunately, hypertension-related complications are preventable, provided one takes timely action. Important action steps include:

  • Check yourself regularly: Taking a blood pressure reading at home or during a visit to your health care provider can identify a problem before it becomes critical.
  • Follow a heart-healthy diet: Maximise fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while minimising salt and processed foods.
  • Stay active: Engaging in a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate activity a day (for example, brisk walking, cycling, and yoga) to increase your heart's function.
  • Achieve a healthy weight: Even modest weight loss can decrease blood pressure and reduce the strain on the heart.
  • Stop smoking and limit alcohol: Both smoking and alcohol consumption raise blood pressure as well as damage the heart.
  • Manage stress: To help manage your blood pressure, consider yoga, meditation, or even simple breathing exercises.

Conclusion

Hypertension may begin quietly, but its effects on the heart build over time, often with devastating consequences if ignored. With one in four Indian adults living with high blood pressure, awareness and proactive management are more important than ever. By adopting healthier habits, monitoring blood pressure regularly, and seeking timely medical care, individuals can protect their hearts and prevent hypertension from stealing years of healthy life.

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