Gene Hackman’s cause of death was revealed as hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease — here’s what to know about the condition
Gene Hackman’s primary cause of death was due to hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease — but what does the condition entail?
Hypertensive Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease is a combination of hypertensive heart disease and arteriosclerosis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hypertensive heart disease is a long-term condition that develops over time in patients who have high blood pressure — which is another name for hypertension. When unmanaged for a long period, it can lead to problems including heart failure and arrhythmias.
Arteriosclerosis occurs when a person’s arteries become thick and stiff compared to the typically flexible and elastic consistency a healthy one, per the Mayo Clinic. The arteries’ walls can harden over time. When the artery walls have a buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances it results in plaque which can cause the vessels to narrow and block blood flow.
In most patients, a mild case of arteriosclerosis typically does not display symptoms.
