Hypertension
Hypertension is referred to as high blood pressure. Hypertension is frequently asymptomatic in the early stages, and the initial signs are often vague and nonspecific. They include fatigue, malaise, and sometimes morning headache. Consistently elevated blood pressure under various conditions is the key sign of hypertension. Because of the insidious onset and mild signs, hypertension is often undiagnosed until complications arise and has been called the “silent killer.” The complications are also asymptomatic until they are well advanced.
Pathophysiology
Hypertension is one of the most common chronic health problems seen in the primary-care setting. Hypertension in adults age 18 and older is defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of greater than 1400 mm Hg and or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of greater than 90 mm Hg, based on the average of two or more properly measured seated BP readings on each of two or more office visits. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure cites the following three categories for adults age 18 and older: (1) prehypertension (SBP 120 to 139 mm Hg / DBP 80 to 89 mm Hg); (2) Stage 1 hypertension (SBP 140 to 159 mm Hg / DBP 90 to 99 mm Hg); and (3) Stage 2 hypertension (SBP ≥ 160 mm Hg / DBP ≥ 100 mm Hg) (Sisson, Rastegar, Rice, Prokopowicz, & Hughes, 2010). In hypertension thee is an increase in arteriolar vasoconstriction, which is
Hypertension is sometimes referred to as the silent killer (Aycock, Kirkendoll, & Gordon, 2013). Today it is a public health problem. According to the American Heart Association 2013 Statistical Fact Sheet (2013), one out of every three adults has high blood pressure, which is estimated at 77.9 million people (AHA, 2013). High blood pressure is also referred to as hypertension. Hypertension is a prevalent medical condition that carries with it the risk factor for increased chances of heart disease and stroke (Gillespie & Hurvitz, 2013). Hypertension remains one of the top 10 causes of worldwide disability-adjusted life years (as cited in Drenjančević-Perić et al., 2011). For the estimated 348, 102 deaths in 2009, high blood pressure was listed as the primary or contributing cause of death (AHA, 2013). Despite the health risk associated with hypertension, the diagnoses of high blood pressure continue to rise. By 2030, hypertension is expected to increase by 7.2% from 2013 estimates (AHA, 2013).
High Blood pressure is very common; more than 50 million American adults have high blood pressure or hypertension that is one-forth of the adult population. That translate into, roughly one in every four American adult has some form of high blood pressure or they have hypertension. The segments of the population most affected by high blood pressure are males, diabetics, elderly persons, people of Hispanic origin, and people living in the southern regions of the United States. In addition, those persons with associated chronic illnesses such as emphysema; chronic stress syndrome, diabetes and similar illness are also in
Alcohol has a meaningful outcome on high blood pressure, so it is important people pay more attention on the relation of alcohol and blood pressure and its outcome on the health.
3. Identify the classification of BP and categories of hypertension for adults 18 and older
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure is starting to become a very common cardio vascular diagnosis. Hypertension is classified as a cardiovascular disease caused by elevated blood pressure (Mosby's, 2006, p. 923). Hypertension is more dominant for individuals that have unhealthy lifestyles and have a family history of hypertension. Hypertension is also dominant in individuals that consume more that 5.8 grams of salt per day (Makoff, 2006). Having high blood pressure may cause other health problems if it is not treated. The health problems associated with high blood pressure are dangerous and sometimes fatal. When the blood pressure of a patient rises above 120 over 80 they are medically considered to have high
High Blood Pressure is a disease that is called the “silent killer”. It is called this, because you can have high blood pressure for years without even knowing that you have it. The only way you can detect if you have it, is if you have yourself tested. Some of the symptoms are normal everyday things that we have such as headaches, and dizziness.
Hypertension is a common condition in the general population that remains one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke worldwide. Prehypertension stage is defined as a systolic blood pressure between 120 and 139 or a diastolic pressure between 80 and 89. It is meant to identify adults who are at high risk for developing hypertension. Hypertension stage 1 is between 140 and 159 or diastolic pressure is between 90 and 99. It will probably need to take medication. Hypertension stage 2 is 160 or higher or diastolic pressure is 100 or higher. This stage usually must modify lifestyle habits and take a diuretic and another type of antihypertensive drug. According to Mayo Clinic, most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if bleed pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. A few people with high blood pressure may have headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds.
Hypertension is one of the most common chronic disease (Barranger, 2013). Many people are unaware of the fact that they have hypertension because they do not have any symptoms associated with this chronic disease. Hypertension can be a major risk factor for many other chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease. Hypertension is strongly associated with obesity and diabetes. Hypertension caused morbidity and mortality are the highest, occur early and more severe among African American’s (Barranger, 2013).
Hypertension affects about 20 percent of the adult population placing a high burden on health care systems.
High Blood Pressure (BP) (especially systolic hypertension) is common condition in elderly patients and considered a major determinant of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; several age related diseases, frailty and loss of autonomy.
Dissemination of information plays a pivotal role in health promotion, thus preventing diseases, such as high blood pressure. High blood pressure or hypertension is a major risk factor for coronary artery ischemia and stroke. Approximately more than 2 million Americans every year are being affected by the heart attacks and strokes, causing a debilitating outcome (Be in a Million Hearts,” n.d.). With this being said, prevention and treatment of hypertension are a challenge encountered by all medical professionals. One methodology that is generally used in conveying information to the public is through the printed education health material (brochure).
Hypertension is an acute and life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment and is highly evaluated in urgency (Neutel & Campbell, 2009). Hypertension is a condition that increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Approximately 40% of the US population had hypertensive disease during 2011 to 2014, and the condition was not under control in about 65% of those affected (Roger, Go, &Lloyd-Jones, 2015).
Blood pressure is defined as “the force per unit area exerted on a vessel wall by the contained blood” (Marieb, 2013, p. 701). A “normal” blood pressure is read as 120/80 mm Hg, however, blood pressure fluctuates.
Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor defined as an abnormal elevation of blood pressure. Health problems can result if it remains elevated for extended periods (Centers for Disease Control, 2015). High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States (Mozzafarian et al., 2015). Randomized trials have shown that morbidity and mortality from heart disease and stroke are reduced with treatment of hypertension. Even modest decreases in elevated blood pressure have been shown to reduce potential negative outcomes (Wang & Ramachandran 2005). Various therapeutic recommendations are available for addressing hypertension. The Seventh Joint National Committee (JNC 7) hypertension guidelines were the most recent standard for which hypertension was treated prior to anticipation of the release of the updated guidelines from the Eight Joint National Committee (JNC 8). While waiting for the JNC 8 to publish their recommendations, other organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) publicized their own guidelines. The updated JNC 8 recommendations have been met with resistance by some clinicians.
The two major types of hypertension are primary and secondary. Primary hypertension accounts for more than 90% of all cases and has no known cause, although it is hypothesized that genetic factors, hormonal changes, and the altercations in sympathetic tone all may play a role in its development. Secondary hypertension develops as a consequence of an underlying disease or condition. The prevention and treatment of hypertension is a major public health issue. When blood pressure is controlled, cardiovascular, renal disease, and stroke may be prevented. The JCN, reported more than 122 million individuals in American are overweight or obese, consume large amounts of dietary sodium and alcohol, and do not eat adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables; less than 20% exercise regularly. Both modifiable and non-modifiable factors play a role in the development of hypertension