Eric Tolman

Health 1020

Hypertension: High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease. In the United States, “1 out of

every 3 adults have high blood pressure” (heart.org). It is described as “the force of blood

pushing against your artery walls” (webmd.com). It can be described as being similar to

inflating a tire, where the more pressure you put into the tire the more it inflates. High blood

pressure creates a problem because it strains the heart. In order to determine whether you have

high blood pressure or not, you need to use a sphygmomanometer, or a blood pressure cuff. This

will be tested at regular doctor visits, so unless you refuse to visit the doctor, hypertension should

be easy to detect and observe.

Measuring of blood pressure with a blood pressure cuff will obtain the readings of your

Systolic, and your Diastolic blood pressures. Systolic blood pressure is the measurement of

blood pressure in your arteries during heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure is the measurement of

blood pressure in your arteries while your heart is resting. When combined these measurements

give you your blood pressure range. Normal blood pressure will have your Systolic pressure

being less than 120, and your Diastolic less than 80. This pressure also changes during activity

but should remain constant during rest. There are different categories for different blood

pressures. Elevated blood pressure will be measured as a Systolic pressure of 120-129, and

Diastolic pressure being less than 80. High blood pressure, or Hypertension Stage 1 will have the

measurements of Systolic 130-139, and Diastolic between 80-89. Hypertension Stage 2 will be

measured Systolic of 140 or higher, and Diastolic 90 or higher. Hypertensive Crisis, which is
extremely high blood pressure, is measured as Systolic higher than 180, and Diastolic higher

than 120. (heart.org)

Unless your blood pressure is extremely low, then anything below normal blood pressure

should not cause any concern. Stage 1 blood pressure will increase your risk of dangers caused

by blood pressure, such as heart attacks or strokes, but it is ultimately the point at which you

should try to fix it. Stage 2 Hypertension will increase the risk even further, and it will be

recommended to take medications to help lower the pressure. Extreme cases of Hypertension

such has Hypertensive Crisis should be consulted immediately. Hypertensive Crisis can cause

organ damage, vision issues, and other serious issues. Hypertension can lead to strokes, heart

attacks, heart failure, kidney disease, and many other serious issues.

There are no symptoms for high blood pressure in regular cases, the only time it will have

symptoms is during extremely high blood pressure. Without regular checkups Hypertension will

be almost entirely unable to be detected until it is too late. If you have extremely high blood

pressure you will experience things such as headaches, fatigue, vision problems, chest pain,

difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, blood in the urine, and pounding in your chest, neck, or

ears (webmd.com).

Similar to other health related diseases, it is easier to prevent Hypertension than it is to

cure it. Prevention is simple, in order to prevent hypertension, you have to eat a healthier diet,

and get more exercise. It is also recommended to refrain from smoking, but that is also common

in almost all other prevention tactics. Treatment includes the same diet, exercise and lifestyle

tactics, while adding the possibility of medication, weight loss, and reducing sodium intake.
 The medications used to help with high blood pressure are Diuretics. “Diuretics increase

urination which reduces sodium and fluid in the body. That can help lower blood pressure

because it lowers blood volume” (Morelli). Diuretics can possibly treat non-severe cases of

hypertension by themselves. A negative side effect of Diuretics is that they remove potassium

from the body, but that can be solved by increasing potassium intake with things such as

bananas. Beta Blockers can also be used to help with high blood pressure. Beta Blockers reduce

heart rate and reduce blood volume. Angiotensin-Converting Enzymes, or ACE, Inhibitors can

also be used. Angiotensin is a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow (Morelli). Another

medication that can be used is Calcium Channel Blockers. These blockers relax blood vessels

and reduce heart rate.

The reason I selected Hypertension as my topic is because my dad is actively working on

reducing his blood pressure. Being a candy and soda addict his whole life he has recently made

changes to improve his diet in an attempt to reduce his blood pressure. He currently takes

medications in order to help with his Hypertension. He has also increased the amount of exercise

he does, outside of his regular work. He also has greatly changed his diet by reducing the amount

of sugar and sodium he intakes. He also bought a blood pressure cuff for home use, so he can

actively keep track of his blood pressure and check for progress. He has improved his blood

pressure greatly along with his overall health and weight.

Hypertension, although not necessarily as serious as some other diseases, it is still a

disease you should observe. Without proper treatment or observation, it can get out of hand and

create serious health problems.

 Works Cited

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Health Center. (n.d.). Retrieved April 02, 2018, from

https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/default.htm

Morelli, J. (n.d.). High Blood Pressure Medications List and Side Effects. Retrieved April 02,

2018, from https://www.rxlist.com/high_blood_pressure_hypertension_medications/drugs-

condition.htm#high_blood_pressure_medication_list

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. (n.d.). Retrieved April 02, 2018, from

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/KnowYourNumbers/Underst

anding-Blood-Pressure-Readings_UCM_301764_Article.jsp#.WsRDay7waUl