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Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

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Geriatric Condition:

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This can lead to serious health complications if left unmanaged, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

Types

Primary (Essential) Hypertension: The most common type, with no identifiable cause, developing gradually over many years.
Secondary Hypertension: Caused by an underlying condition such as kidney disease, thyroid problems, or certain medications. This type tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than primary hypertension.

Symptoms

Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

Headaches
Shortness of breath
Nosebleeds
Dizziness
Chest pain
Vision problems

Causes

Age: Blood pressure tends to increase with age due to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries.
Genetics: A family history of hypertension increases the risk.
Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.
Medical Conditions: Chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea.
Medications: Some over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including NSAIDs and decongestants, can raise blood pressure.

Impact To Lifestyle

Physical Limitations: Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems can limit physical activities.
Dietary Restrictions: Need to follow a low-sodium, heart-healthy diet.
Medication Management: Regular use of antihypertensive medications.
Healthcare Needs: Frequent medical visits for monitoring blood pressure and related health issues.
Emotional Health: Anxiety, stress, and depression related to chronic illness.
Social Impact: Possible limitations on social activities and travel due to health concerns.

Management & Prevention

Management:

Medications:
- Diuretics: Help the kidneys remove excess sodium and water.
- ACE Inhibitors: Relax blood vessels by preventing the formation of a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels.
- Beta-Blockers: Reduce the workload on the heart and open blood vessels.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: Prevent calcium from entering heart and blood vessel muscle cells, resulting in lower blood pressure.
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Relax blood vessels by blocking the action of a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Healthy Diet: Low-sodium, low-fat, high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Regular Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight.
- No Smoking: Avoiding tobacco products and secondhand smoke.
- Limit Alcohol: Drinking in moderation, if at all.
- Stress Management: Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Regular Monitoring: Keeping track of blood pressure readings at home and regular check-ups with a healthcare provider.
Education and Support: Participating in hypertension education programs and support groups.

Prevention:

Healthy Eating: Following a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while low in sodium and unhealthy fats.
Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise to maintain cardiovascular health.
Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
No Smoking: Avoiding tobacco products and exposure to secondhand smoke.
Moderate Alcohol Intake: Limiting alcohol consumption to moderate levels.
Regular Health Check-Ups: Early detection and management of high blood pressure and other health conditions.
Stress Management: Practicing stress-reducing activities and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

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