Hypertension

What is Hypertension? Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when blood exerts too much pressure on the walls of blood vessels. It occurs when the pressure inside the blood vessels is too high. The normal blood pressure is 120/80. High blood pressure is 140/90.

What causes hypertension? The cause is unknown for 90% -95% of cases. This is called essential or primary hypertension. When cause is known is called secondary hypertension. Where the causes are blood vessels and kidney abnormalities that can usually be corrected. Some factors that may worsen hypertension include Smoking, Being Overweight/Obese, High Sodium Diet, and Alcohol Use

Symptoms of Hypertension Hypertension may not show any symptoms, but that doesn’t mean high blood pressure isn't doing anything to your body. Most people do not know they have hypertension until they have their blood pressure taken. The severe symptoms may include: feeling confused or other neurological symptoms, nosebleeds, fatigue, blurred vision, chest pains, and a abnormal heartbeat.

Treatment! BYSTOLIC is a prescription medicine that belongs to a group called “Beta Blockers" It is often used along with other medicines to treat patients with hypertension. Vasodilators work directly on the muscles in the walls of your arteries, preventing the muscles from tightening and your arteries from narrowing. Also exercise is a great treatment. Heart healthy diet with low sodium intake

Prevention Eliminate unhealthy habits. Change your diet and fitness routine Maintain a health weight Eat a balanced diet Cut back on salt Limit alcohol

Is hypertension hereditary? The heritability of hypertension is often cited in the range of 30% to 60%. Also if there are a strong family history of hypertension you will be more likely to get it.

Interesting facts!! Hypertension causes 60,000 deaths a year and is directly linked to more than 250,000 deaths from stroke. Other deaths related to hypertension are due to heart attack and kidney failure Greater than 60 million people in the United States over the age of 65 have high blood pressure. There are over 140 different blood pressure medications available through your doctor today.

Review 1. Hypertension is another name for… High blood pressure 2. What blood pressure reading would require medical treatment? 140/90 and above 3. List two ways to prevent hypertension. Eliminate unhealthy habits, eat a healthy, balanced, low sodium diet, develop a fitness routine, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol 4. What can put a person at risk for developing hypertension? Smoking, Being Overweight/Obese, High Sodium Diet, and Alcohol Use 5. If hypertension is not treated, what can it lead to in a person? Stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure

Works Cited "Are diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and high blood pressure hereditary." Doctor.Ndtv. N.p., 2011. Web. 22 Sept. 2011. <http://www.doctor.ndtv.com>. "avalon health & info." AvalonHealthInfo. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2011. <http://www.avalonhealthinfo.com>. Bunch, Byran, and Jenny Tesar, eds. Diseases. Illus. Karin L. Rhines. N.p.: Scientific Publishing, 2006. Print. "Hereditary Determinants of Human Hypertension. " Ncbi.Nlm.Nih. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2011. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov>. "High Blood Pressure." Mayo Clinic. N.p., 2011. Web. 22 Sept. 2011. <http://www.mayoclinic.com>. Hildyard, Anne, Claire Cross, and Clare Hill, eds. Encyclopedia of Health. Vol. 8. New York: Marshall Cavendish Corporation, 2003. Print. "What is Hypertension." Everyday Health. N.p., 2011. Web. 22 Sept. 2011. <http://www.everydayhealth.com>.

Side Effects of Treatment Allergic reactions: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Serious side effects: feeling short of breath, swelling of ankles or feet, slow or uneven heartbeat, and numbness or cold feeling in your hands or feet. Less serious side effects: headache, tired feeling, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, or sleep problems (insomnia).