HypertensionHypertension

By: Kenneth Hall andBy: Kenneth Hall and

Matt McCallumMatt McCallum

What is it?What is it?

• Hypertension is frequently referred to as "high blood pressure” in which the blood pressure is chronically elevated.

• It is defined as consistent elevation of systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at rest.

• Blood pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg)

• Normal blood pressureSystolic <140 mm HgDiastolic <90 mm Hg

• Pre Hypertensive Systolic 130-139 mm HgDiastolic 85-89 mm Hg

• Stage 1 Hypertension Systolic 140-159 mm HgDiastolic 90-99 mm Hg

• Stage 2 Hypertension Systolic >159 mm HgDiastolic >99 mm Hg

• Malignant Systolic >200 mm HgDiastolic >120 mm Hg

Types of HypertensionTypes of Hypertension

• There are two classifications, essential (primary) and secondary

• Essential hypertension is when there is no specific medical cause to explain the patient's condition.

• Secondary hypertension is when the high blood pressure is due to another condition, such as kidney disease or an adrenal tumour.

Heart of hypertensive personHeart of hypertensive person

SymptomsSymptoms

• Most of the time, there are no symptoms, but if there are, they include both early and advanced symptoms.

Early SymptomsEarly Symptoms

• Blurred Vision

• Lightheadedness

• Fainting

• Headaches

• Nose bleeds

Advanced SymptomsAdvanced Symptoms

• Shortness of breath

• Decreased exercise tolerance

• Chest pain

• Heart Attack

• Retinal bleeding

TestingTesting

• The main test for hypertension is blood pressure measurement

• Other tests include:Chem 20EchocardiogramUrinalysisX-ray of the kidneys

TreatmentTreatment

• The main goal in treating hypertension is to reduce blood pressure, to prevent further complications.

• This is done by making lifestyle changes and by medications.

Lifestyle ChangesLifestyle Changes

• Decreased sodium in the diet

• Decreased saturated fats, and no saturated fats

• Decreased daily calories

• Weight loss

• Increased exercise

MedicationsMedications

• ACE Inhibitors: enalapril, ramipril

• Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blockers: losartan

• Calcium Channel Blockers: nifedipine

• Diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide

• Beta Adrenergic Blockers: atenolol, metoprolol

• Vasodilators

QuestionsQuestions

• Why do you think hypertension is increasing and affecting more and more people as time goes on?

• What can we do to avoid/decrease hypertension as an individual and in society in general?

ReferencesReferences

• Anatomy and Physiology.2nd Edition.Elaine N. Marieb

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertension#Genetics

• www.medicinenet.com