Diagnosis and Prevention of Hypertensive Heart Failure

Heart Fail Clin. 2019 Oct;15(4):435-445. doi: 10.1016/j.hfc.2019.05.001. Epub 2019 Jul 13.

Abstract

Elevated blood pressure (BP) has a strong and continuous association with Stage B and C heart failure (HF) and carries the highest attributable risk for HF. Intensive treatment of hypertension is crucial, as progression from hypertension (Stage A HF) to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) or other structural damage (Stage B HF) is common despite therapy. Echo cardiography is the modality of choice to detect Stage B HF. Ideally, Stage B HF should be prevented. However, regression of established LVH and other structural damage is feasible and improves prognosis. Despite differences among antihypertensive agents, control of BP remains the most important goal.

Keywords: Blood pressure; Echocardiography; Epidemiology; Guidelines; Heart failure; Hypertension; Left ventricular hypertrophy; Left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antihypertensive Agents* / classification
  • Antihypertensive Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Disease Progression
  • Heart Failure* / diagnosis
  • Heart Failure* / epidemiology
  • Heart Failure* / etiology
  • Heart Failure* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / complications
  • Hypertension* / physiopathology
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular* / diagnosis
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular* / etiology
  • Preventive Health Services* / methods
  • Preventive Health Services* / organization & administration
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents