High Blood Pressure - Term Paper Example

?Running head: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (school) High Blood Pressure Introduction High blood pressure is one of the mostsignificant health issues plaguing most individuals past the age of 40. Although it has been known to affect younger adults as well, it is a medical problem which mostly affects older adults. This disease is also considered a symptom for heart diseases, including coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure. It also has various causes, including obesity, smoking, and stress. This paper shall discuss the different details involving this medical condition. First, it shall give a thorough description of the disease, including the current statistics of individuals usually affected by this medical problem. Secondly, explanations on how the different body systems are affected shall be presented. Lastly, the various medical interventions and treatments for this disease shall be discussed. This paper is being carried out in order to establish a thorough scientific assessment of this disease in the hope of improving the clinical practice. Body Description The National Heart Lung, and Blood Institute (2011) describes high blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, to be a serious health issues which can cause various health problems, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Hypertension is basically the increased pressure of the blood flowing through the arterial walls. As the pressure increases and is sustained at such pressure for a prolonged period of time, it can cause damage to arterial walls (NHLBI, 2011a). Blood pressure normally refers to the pressure or the force of blood as it flows through the arteries to be circulated to the different parts of the body (Centers for Disease Control, 2010). This pressure normally increases and decreases at different parts of the day, based on an individual’s activities. Normal exertion can cause it to increase, and at rest, the pressure decreases. But a constantly high pressure can lead to damage to the arterial walls. Its symptoms however may not be apparent for most people, especially at the beginning of the disease. However, when it finally manifests, it can prove to be fatal and highly devastating to a person’s general well-being (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). Blood pressure is evaluated by one’s systolic and diastolic pressures (NHLBI, 2011a). Systole is the pressure of the blood as it pumps blood and diastole is the pressure of the blood as the heart is at its resting state (NHLBI, 2011a). The unit of measurement is in millimeter mercury or mmHG and usually measured through the sphygmomanometer. The normal blood pressure for adults is a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic BP of less than 80. Prehypertension manifests at a range of 120-139 (systole) to 80-89 (diastole) (NHLBI, 2011a). Stage 1 high blood pressure manifests a systolic BP of 140-159 and a diastolic BP of 90-99; and stage 2 hypertension is a BP of 160/100 or higher (NHLBI, 2011a). Blood pressure above 120/80 mmHG implies an increased risk for heart disease and for future occurrence of hypertension as a medical problem. If this remains constant or unaddressed, the future onset of hypertension would be highly likely. Once this disease is diagnosed in a person, it will already become a lifetime disease which would need constant control and management. Everyone is at risk for this disease, however, it is a higher risk among older people due to the natural process of aging and the wear and tear that their body has gone through (Food and Drug Administration, 2007). For African-Americans, people above the age of 55, individuals with a family history of high blood pressure, those who are overweight, those who do not exercise, those who have a high salt intake, those who smoke, and those who drink alcohol heavily, the risk is of being diagnosed with hypertension as compared to the general population is much higher. Although this disease has usually no signs or symptoms, some patients with very high blood pressure often experience dizzy spells, nosebleeds, and headaches (Mayo Clinic, 2011). This disease also manifests in two forms or types, one being primary or essential hypertension and the other being secondary hypertension. For most patients, there is no definite cause for this disease, but primary hypertension has been known to develop gradually after many years (Mayo Clinic, 2011). It is a more common affliction as compared to secondary hypertension. Although the causes of this disease are not clearly identified, some factors have been identified as impacting on the occurrence of this disease, including obesity, insulin resistance, high salt and alcohol intake, aging, stress, low calcium intake, and a sedentary lifestyle (Carretero, 2000). Secondary hypertension usually manifests suddenly and can cause higher levels of blood pressure, not commonly seen in primary hypertension. It is common among patients with kidney problems, those with adrenal gland tumors, those with blood vessel defects, those taking medications like birth control pills, decongestants, some pain relievers, and those taking illegal drugs (Mayo Clinic, 2011). According to the CDC (2011), one in three adults has high blood pressure, and it is a disease which has been considered the main cause of death for about 320,000 Americans last year. It cost the government about $76.6 billion in health costs and missed work days. Furthermore, the CDC (2011) also reveals that about 70% of patients with hypertension who were placed on medication were able to control their BP; control rates for this disease was at 46.6% among all patients with high blood pressure. About 25% of the American adult population is considered to have pre-hypertension, and this makes them a high risk for later developing hypertension if no lifestyle changes are implemented. Impact on body systems High blood pressure can have various effects on a person’s systems. For the brain, hypertension can lead to strokes because this can weaken the arterial walls leading to breaks and hemorrhaging or bleeding in the brain. Blood clots forming in the narrowed arteries of the brain can also lead to strokes (NHLBI, 2011b). It can also affect the person’s eyes, causing blood vessels in the eyes to burst and then bleed. The patient’s vision would then be impaired and blurry; in some cases, it can cause blindness (NHBLI, 2011b). As for the patient’s arteries, high blood pressure is often linked with the hardening or stiffening of the arteries. For the elderly, this is often an inevitable condition, especially for the arteries in their heart, brain, or kidneys. This hardening of the arteries can make the passage of the blood more difficult and can cause difficulties in the normal functions of the heart and the kidneys (NHBLI, 2011b). High blood pressure can also cause damage to the patient’s kidneys. The kidneys are the body’s filter and with hypertension, the blood vessels of the kidneys can eventually narrow (NHBLI, 2011b). As these vessels start to narrow, the patient’s functions become compromised and wastes can later build up in their blood. Eventually, the kidneys may fail and may require the dialysis or transplants to remedy (NHBLI, 2011b). Another major organ affected by hypertension is the heart. Hypertension can cause heart attacks because as the arteries narrow, blood supply to some parts of the heart can be cut off, thereby causing ischemia, leading to cell death (NHBLI, 2011b). Angina is a common manifestation of heart attacks. This occurs because the heart cannot get enough oxygen. Hypertension can also cause congestive heart failure. It is a very serious problem where the heart is no longer able to pump and deliver enough blood and oxygen supply to the other parts of the body (NHBLI, 2011b). Treatment and Interventions Various medications are available for the management of high blood pressure. Thiazide diuretics act on the patient’s kidneys causing the elimination or reduction of water and sodium in the body, thereby causing the reduction of the patient’s blood volume (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Beta blockers act towards reducing the workload of the heart, opening up blood vessels and reducing the heart’s rate and force. They are highly effective when combined with thiazide (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are also used to reduce blood pressure. They help relax the blood vessels by preventing the release of a natural enzyme which causes vasoconstriction. Angiotensin II receptor blockers also relax the blood vessels, by acting in a fashion similar to ACE inhibitors (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Calcium channel blockers also relax the blood vessels by slowing the heart rate. Renin inhibitors reduce the production of renin which is an enzyme which can commence events which later lead to hypertension (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Alpha blockers may also be prescribed as they reduce chemicals which narrow blood vessels; alpha-beta blockers are also another option. They usually slow the heartbeat and decrease blood flowing through the arteries. Finally, vasodilators can also be taken by the patient. These medications have been known to act on the walls of the arteries, reducing the tightening and narrowing of these vessels (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Aside from these medications, lifestyle changes also have to be implemented on the patient. For those who are obese or overweight, changes in their diet have to be carried out. A diet low in fat, low in sugar, and low in salt is in order (Rolfes, Pinna, and Whitney, 2008). Increased activity is also forthcoming with regular exercise, including cardiovascular activities like jogging, brisk walking, jumping rope, and similar activities which increase cardiovascular rate (Rolfes, et.al., 2008). Activities shall be planned depending on patient preference. For smokers, they would have to consider quitting their habit. For heavy drinkers, significantly reducing their intake is also crucial (Rolfes, et.al., 2008). Occasional drinks may be allowed. Reduced stress levels through guided imagery and other relaxation activities may also be implemented for these hypertensive patients (Rofles, et.al., 2008). Conclusion Hypertension is one of the most common afflictions plaguing man. Its cause is relatively unknown but its link with obesity and a sedentary living seems to be strong. It can affect the body in different ways, and if unaddressed can eventually cause death. Interventions for this disease include medications which dilate the blood vessels, reduce heart rate, or prevent the narrowing of the blood vessels. More importantly however, lifestyle changes on one’s diet and level of activity is the best means of addressing this health problem. Reference Carretero, O. (2000). Essential Hypertension: Part I: Definition and Etiology. Circulation, 101, pp. 329-335. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2010). High Blood Pressure. CDC. Retrieved 10 December 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). High Blood Pressure Facts. CDC. Retrieved 10 December 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm Food and Drug Administration. (2007). High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). National Institute of Health. Retrieved 10 December 2011 from http://www.fda.gov/downloads/forconsumers/byaudience/forwomen/ucm121879.pdf Mayo Clinic (2011). High blood pressure (hypertension). Retrieved 10 December 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/DS00100 National Heart Lung Blood Institute (2011a). What Is High Blood Pressure? NHBLI. Retrieved 10 December 2011 from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp/ National Heart Lung Blood Institute (2011b). Effect of High Blood Pressure on Your Body. NHLBI. Retrieved 10 December 2011 from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/hbp/effect/effect.htm Rolfes, S., Pinna, K. & Whitney, E. (2008). 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