Hypertension and Heart Health: Young Indonesian Man’s Death a Stark Reminder

Jakarta – The untimely death of Gusti Irwan Wibowo, known as Gustiwiwi, at just 25 years old, has brought renewed attention to the dangers of hypertension and its impact on heart health. According to his family, Gustiwiwi had been battling high blood pressure, a condition that ultimately led to fatal heart complications. “He told a friend he felt dizzy,and after a doctor’s diagnosis,his high blood pressure led to heart problems,” explained Sri Yulianti,Gustiwiwi’s mother,on Monday,June 16,2025.

The Link Between High Blood pressure and Heart Problems

Cardiovascular specialist Dr. Vito Damay, SpJP (K), FIHA, FICA, explains that hypertension can indeed trigger a cascade of health issues, significantly impacting the heart. One of the primary mechanisms is the enlargement of the heart, known as cardiomegaly.

Did You Know? The American Heart Association estimates that nearly half of adults in the United States (47%) have hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mm Hg [[American Heart Association]].

Dr. Damay further elaborated that cardiomegaly can lead to the formation of blood clots or perilous heart rhythm disorders. “This can cause people to experience cardiomegaly (heart enlargement). Initially, it might not be noticeable, but early symptoms can include feeling tired quickly,” Dr. Damay stated in an interview on Monday.

Beyond enlargement, hypertension can inflict damage on the delicate lining of the coronary blood vessels. This damage encourages the formation of plaque, leading to a reduction in oxygen supply to the heart, a condition known as ischemia or coronary heart disease.

Over time, ischemia weakens the heart muscle, diminishing its ability to effectively pump blood. Furthermore, blood clots that develop within the heart chambers can significantly elevate the risk of stroke. “Ischemia in the heart muscle can also cause a fatal and sudden electrical short circuit,” Dr. Damay warned.

“Plaque in the coronary vessels can rupture, so that blood vessels that should provide oxygen and nutrition to the heart are blocked and cause heart attacks, permanent heart muscle damage, or sudden cardiac arrest,” he added.

Recognizing the Symptoms of hypertension

Dr. Berlian Idriansyah Idris, SPJP, a specialist in cardiology and vascular medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI), highlights headaches as a key symptom of hypertension.These headaches are often described as intensely painful.

Other potential symptoms include nausea, vomiting, seizures, disorientation, and even impaired consciousness. vision disturbances, such as double vision or blindness, and speech difficulties can also occur.

Pro Tip: Regular blood pressure monitoring is crucial, even in the absence of symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults have their blood pressure checked at least once every two years [[CDC]].

Unfortunately, many individuals with hypertension experience no noticeable symptoms. Dr. Berlian emphasizes that complaints typically arise only when blood pressure reaches critically high levels.

Therefore, regular blood pressure checks are paramount to maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing severe complications. “If the tension is very high,more than 180/120 mmHg,in a state of emergency hypertension can occur encephalopathy,or brain damage,with complaints of severe headaches,” Dr. Berlian explained.

“Diagnosing hypertension is very easy; it only needs blood pressure examination. If it has been diagnosed with hypertension, examination is needed to see the impact on organs, especially the heart and kidney,” he added.

Hypertension in Young Adults: A Growing Concern

Dr. Berlian notes that hypertension in younger individuals is often linked to lifestyle factors and elevated stress levels.

“Heart problems are now experienced by many young people becuase of unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking, lack of movement, high diet salt, fat, and sugar,” he stated.

Sleep deprivation also plays a significant role. “It is very possible that young people often stay up late, lack of sleep, which is known to be related to heart problems,” he continued.

He strongly advises routine blood pressure checks to maintain stable levels and prevent hypertension from triggering dangerous health conditions. “When hypertensive is diagnosed, examination is needed to see the impact on organs, especially the heart and kidney,” he reiterated.

Disclaimer: This article provides general details and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on managing hypertension.

What steps are you taking to manage your blood pressure? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!