High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease. One of the ways that hypertension can affect your heart is by increasing the contractility of your coronary arterioles. These are the small blood vessels that supply blood to your heart muscle. When your coronary arterioles contract, they reduce the flow of blood to your heart muscle. This can lead to angina, or chest pain, and in some cases, a heart attack.
A recent study found that patients with poorly controlled hypertension have an increased contractile response to thromboxane A2 (TXA2), a substance that can cause blood vessels to constrict. This alteration in coronary arteriolar function may contribute to worsened recovery of coronary microvascular function in patients with poorly controlled hypertension after CP/CPB and cardiac surgery.
If you have high blood pressure, it is important to get it under control. There are a number of things you can do to lower your blood pressure, including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. If lifestyle changes are not enough to control your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication.
By taking steps to control your blood pressure, you can help to protect your heart health and reduce your risk of serious complications.