(Chapter 6) Hypertension

An introduction to
hypertension
what is hypertension?
Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood

pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels
have persistently raised pressure. Blood is carried
from the heart to all parts of the body in the
vessels. Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood
into the vessels. Blood pressure is created by the
force of blood pushing against the walls of blood
vessels (arteries) as it is pumped by the heart. The
higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to
pump.
hypertension:
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the
pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90
mmHg or higher), It is common but can be serious
if not treated. People with high blood pressure may
not feel symptoms. The only way to know is to get
your blood pressure checked.
Hypertension is a serious medical condition and

can increase the risk of heart, brain, kidney and
other diseases. It is a major cause of premature
death worldwide, The burden of hypertension is
felt disproportionately in low- and middle- income
countries, where two thirds of cases are found,
largely due to increased risk factors in those
populations in recent decades.
Things that increase
the risk of having a high
blood pressure:
Older age
Genetics
Being overweight or
obese
Not being physically
active
High-salt diet
Drinking too much alcohol
Blood pressure is written as two numbers.
Systolic number Diastolic number

represents the represents the
pressure in blood pressure in the
vessels when the vessels when the
heart contracts heart rests
or beats. between beats.
Risk Factors:
Modifiable risk factors include

unhealthy diets (excessive salt
Non-modifiable risk factors include a
consumption, a diet high in saturated
family history of hypertension, age
fat and trans fats, low intake of
over 65 years and co-existing
fruits and vegetables), physical
diseases such as diabetes or kidney
inactivity, consumption of tobacco
disease.
and alcohol, and being overweight or
obese.
Symptoms:
Most people with hypertension don’t feel any symptoms. Very
high blood pressures can cause headaches, blurred vision,
chest pain and other symptoms.
Checking your blood pressure is the best way to know if you

have high blood pressure. If hypertension isn’t treated, it can
cause other health conditions like kidney disease, heart
disease and stroke.
People with very high blood pressure (usually
180/120 or higher) can experience symptoms
including:
Severe headaches
Chest pain
Dizziness
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting
Blurred vision or vision changes
Anxiety
Confusion
Buzzing in ears
Nosebleeds
The only way to detect hypertension is to
have a health professional measure blood
pressure. Having blood pressure measured is
quick and painless. Although individuals can
measure their own blood pressure using
automated devices, an evaluation by a health
professional is important for assessment of
risk and associated conditions.
Treatment:
Eating healthy, low- Limit processed
salt diet foods
Lifestyle changes can help
lower high blood pressure.
These include:
Losing weight
Exercise regularly
If you have high blood

Being physically pressure, your doctor may
active Lose extra weight
recommend one or more
medicines. Your recommended
blood pressure goal may
depend on what other health
Get enough sleep conditions you have. Not smoking
Prevention:
Lifestyle changes can help lower high blood pressure and can help anyone with
hypertension. Many who make these changes will still need to take medicine.
do’s:
eat more vegetables and Lose weight if
fruits you’re overweight
or obese.
Be more physically Keep appointments
active, which can
include walking, with your health care
Take medicines as
running, swimming, prescribed by your professional.
dancing or activities
health care
that build strength, like
lifting weights. professional.
dont’s :
eat too much salty food (try to stay under 2
grams per day)
eat foods high in saturated or trans fats
smoke or use tobacco
drink too much alcohol (1 drink daily max for
women, 2 for men)
miss or share medication.
Conclusion:
Hypertension is a very
important disorder in aged
people and is associated with
higher risk of
cardiovascular morbidity
and mortality. The fact of
reducing blood pressure
values decreases the risk
for cardiac death as well as
neurological, metabolic, and
musculoskeletal system
sequelae in aged people.

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An introduction to

Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood

Hypertension is a serious medical condition and

Systolic number Diastolic number

Modifiable risk factors include

Checking your blood pressure is the best way to know if you

If you have high blood

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