WHAT IS HYPERTENSION (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE)?
DESCRIPTION:
- A high blood pressure is termed as Hypertension.
- Abnormally high blood pressure.
- A state of great emotional tension.
- For an adult (ages 18 and above), a normal BP is a systolic BP below 120 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg.
- An individual classified with pre hypertension has a systolic BP between 120-139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
- Stage 1 hypertension can be classified as a systolic BP between 140 and 159 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure between 90 and 99 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 hypertension can be classified as a systolic BP equal to or greater than 160 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure equal to or greater than 100 mm Hg.
- Hypertension is a major risk factor for coronary, cerebral, renal, and peripheral vascular disease.
- Hypertension is initially asymptomatic.
- The goals of treatment include reduction of the BP and preventing or lessening the extent of organ damage.
- Non pharmacological approaches, such as life styles, may be prescribed initially; if the BP cannot be decreased after a reasonable time period (1 to 3 months), the client may require pharmacological treatment.
PRIMARY OR ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION:
RISK FACTORS:
- Aging
- Family history
- African American race
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Stress
- Excessive alcohol
- Hyper lipidemia
- Increased intake of salt and caffeine
SECONDARY HYPERTENSION:
- Secondary hypertension occurs as a result of other disorder or conditions.
- Treatment depends on the cause and the organs involved.
- Precipitating disorders or conditions.
- cardiovascular disorders
- renal disorders
- endocrine system disorders
- pregnancy
- medications (e.g., estrogen, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids)
ASSESSMENT:
- May be asymptomatic (Idiopathic)
- Headache
- Visual Disturbances
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Tinnitus
- Flushed face
- Epistaxis
