Hypertension is high blood pressure, It is a major health problem. In the United States about 50 million people age 6 and older have HTN. Hypertension is a serious medical condition because it may lead to a Heart condition, Stroke as well as many other health related complications.Hypertension occurs when arterioles, small blood vessels that branch of from the arteries, become constricted making it difficult for blood pressure to pass through them. As a result, blood pressure rises causing your heart to work harder. Normal blood pressure would be 120/80. If blood pressure is higher than 140/90 on several readings, you may have HTN. The blood pressure is measured in Systolic and Diastol ...view middle of the document...
Reduced or blocks blood flow to the heart can cause a heart attack. A stroke can result if an artery is blocked on the brain. About 25 % of people who receive kidney dialysis have kidney failure caused by hypertension.Also severe HTN may cause pulsating headaches, visual disturbances, numbness, seizures, sudden confusion, nausea and vomitting. Untreaded HTN can damage the organs. As I mentioned before, heart , liver disease, eyes, lead to Angina (chest pain) heart failure, kidney ( renal ) failure, peripheral vascular disease, retinopathy and a stroke.Hypertension without a known cause is called primary or essencial hypertension, when a person has HTN caused by another medical condition it is call secondary hypertension. Many people with kidney disorders have secondary HTN. The kidneys regulate the balance of salt and water in the body, if the kidneys cannot get rid of the excess salt and water, the blood pressure goes up. A kidney infection is the narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys called renal artery stenosis and other kidney disorders can disturb the salt and water balance.Risk Factores:Even though the cause of most HTN is not known, some people have risk factors that gives them a greater chance of developing it. Many of these can be changed to lower the chance of developing HTN or as part of a treatment program to lower blood pressure.* Have a history of HTN in your family.* Have a pre-existing condition such as diabetes or kidney disease.* Are a African descent.* Are a male.* Are over 35 years of age.* Smoke.* Are obese.* Stress.* Are taking oral contraceptives.* Frequently consure alcohol beverages.* Lead a sedentary life style.* Not consuming the proper food intake (salt or cholesterol)Hereditary:You can change your life, but you can not change your genes. Genetics seem to be one of the causes of HTN. Adult American males of African descent are at most risk for developing HTN and cardiovascular disease. It implics that culture and environment play important roles in determining HTN risk. Some risk factors can be changed while others cannot . Some people inherit the tendency to get HTN.Life Style:Life style plays a very important role in your life. What you consume and how much and lack of exercise, living a sedentary life style are facts that are very essencial. Hypertension treatments require that you change the way you live. " Living with HTN gives some guidelines for rethinking your life".Prevention:* Have your blood pressure checked regularly.* Eat nutritious foods, including whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.* If prescribed medication for HTN take as prescribed.* Maintain your ideal body weight.* Exercise regularly.* Stop smoking.* Manage stress, relaxation and develop a positive attitude.* Decrease salt (na) avoid high na such as chips, processed meats, fast food, cured or smoked products and prepared foods.* Limit your daily cholesterol intake to no more than 100mg per 1000 calories of foo...
