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Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta
Hypertension, commonly called high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the heart has to put in extra effort to pump blood throughout the body. For this extra effort, the heart needs more oxygen. It puts pressure on blood vessels and can prevent arteries and veins, connecting the heart, from working normally, causing various signs and symptoms. Angina pain is a symptom of an underlying heart problem. Reduced blood flow to the heart causes angina. In this article, we will discuss whether high blood pressure causes angina, and discuss the blood pressure values for hypertensive people.
What numbers are considered high blood pressure?
As per the National Health Mission website, people with BP > 140 mm Hg systolic and/or greater than 90 mm Hg diastolic are classified as hypertensive. People with BP >160 mm Hg systolic and/or greater than 100 mm Hg diastolic must immediately visit a healthcare centre to confirm their diagnosis of hypertension and seek immediate treatment.
People with BP >180 mm Hg systolic and/or greater than 110 mm diastolic or BP > 180 mm systolic and >120 mm diastolic may have organ damage. This can affect the normal functioning of the heart, brain, kidneys, or eyes.
Can high blood pressure cause angina?
Yes. The risk of angina is high in people with high blood pressure. Angina pain is a symptom of an underlying heart problem. Reduced blood flow to the heart causes angina. It is because the heart is already pumping extra to send oxygen throughout the body. However, this extra pumping creates pressure on the heart along with the connecting blood vessels. When this pressure remains for long due to factors such as a stressful life and unhealthy lifestyle, the condition can damage the arteries by reducing their elasticity. These damaged arteries do not allow the heart to receive enough oxygen which can cause angina pain.
High blood pressure can also build plaque in the arteries to narrow the wall size. The narrow size reduces the blood flow to the heart. As a result, it does not receive enough oxygen, causing angina.
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