Hypertension What is hypertension? In medical terms, hypertension is high blood pressure. When it comes to cardiovascular disease it is very common in the United States. “In fact, it is the most widespread chronic disease in Western society.” (Brill, 2013) There are many prescriptions written for the common diagnosis of hypertension in the United States. According to the book Blood Pressure Down, it is the number one cause of stroke and kidney disease and can be a secondary cause for heart disease and blindness. “Hypertension is a serious risk factor for Cardio Vascular Disease and can lead to heart attacks or even stroke. “ (Brill, 2013) When a patient goes to the doctor for any reason, one of the first things the nurse will do is check
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Potassium is the mineral in our bodies that minimizes the effects of dietary sodium on blood pressure. (Appel, 2015) Most Americans are well aware that a diet high in fat and cholesterol is not healthy. Yet, these simple lifestyle changes are not always easy to implement and grabbing a quick fast food meal consisting of a cheeseburger and a beer is a common American tradition. The book Hypertension and Stroke recommends a Vegetarian and Mediterranean-style diet to combat high blood pressure and opting for more fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products. An increase in physical activity has many health benefits. Not exercising causes an increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system, leading to constriction of blood vessels and in turn, an increase in blood pressure. “A sedentary lifestyle also reduces the elasticity of arteries and decreases the release of hormones like nitric oxide that cause arteries to dilate.” (Appel, 2015) The other most obvious factor that leads to hypertension and other health issues is being overweight and obese. The more weight you carry, the harder the body has to work when pumping blood, oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues. As mentioned above when blood volume increases, pressure against artery walls increase leading to an increase in blood pressure. People who are overweight have longer hoses in a sense and the pump needs to work harder to push the fluid further. As with any disease, race and genetics play a role. “When it comes to race, blacks are at greater risk than whites for hypertension.” (Appel, 2015) According to the book Hypertension and stroke, Blacks tend to have an earlier onset and more severe form of hypertension. Researchers attribute this to both genes and their environment. Stress can also be a precursor to hypertension. People who are in high stress jobs and lack the ability to effectively manage stress through exercise and mediation are at a higher
Potassium is the mineral in our bodies that minimizes the effects of dietary sodium on blood pressure. (Appel, 2015) Most Americans are well aware that a diet high in fat and cholesterol is not healthy. Yet, these simple lifestyle changes are not always easy to implement and grabbing a quick fast food meal consisting of a cheeseburger and a beer is a common American tradition. The book Hypertension and Stroke recommends a Vegetarian and Mediterranean-style diet to combat high blood pressure and opting for more fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products. An increase in physical activity has many health benefits. Not exercising causes an increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system, leading to constriction of blood vessels and in turn, an increase in blood pressure. “A sedentary lifestyle also reduces the elasticity of arteries and decreases the release of hormones like nitric oxide that cause arteries to dilate.” (Appel, 2015) The other most obvious factor that leads to hypertension and other health issues is being overweight and obese. The more weight you carry, the harder the body has to work when pumping blood, oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues. As mentioned above when blood volume increases, pressure against artery walls increase leading to an increase in blood pressure. People who are overweight have longer hoses in a sense and the pump needs to work harder to push the fluid further. As with any disease, race and genetics play a role. “When it comes to race, blacks are at greater risk than whites for hypertension.” (Appel, 2015) According to the book Hypertension and stroke, Blacks tend to have an earlier onset and more severe form of hypertension. Researchers attribute this to both genes and their environment. Stress can also be a precursor to hypertension. People who are in high stress jobs and lack the ability to effectively manage stress through exercise and mediation are at a higher