Hypertension Lecture Notes
CHAPTER 13 – HYPERTENSION
Hypertension also known as high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurs when the blood travels through the vessels in excess. Cardio output is too high and this puts pressure on the arterial walls or peripheral resistance occurs due to a narrowing of arteries. It is a serious medical problem yet most are not aware they have it due to the lack of symptoms. For this reason, it is known as a silent killer. It is a risk factor for other diseases such as heart disease and kidney failure.
It affects cognitive functioning such as memory, learning capabilities, abstract reasoning, mental flexibility and attention. These are especially apparent in young hypertensives.
MEASURING HYPERTENSION
It is measured with a sphygmomanometer, which assesses the levels of the systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the greatest pressure developed during ventricular contraction, whereas diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is relaxed. Systolic has a greater value in diagnosis. A normal blood pressure should sit at 80/120. Mild hypertension is defined by 90-100/140-159, moderate hypertension is about 100-120/160-179 and severe hypertension is 120/180-200. Having systolic pressure under 120 is best.
CAUSES OF HYPERTENSION
The two major types are:
- Primary or essential hypertension, that has no known cause, is diagnosed in the majority of people (95%)
- Secondary hypertension is often caused by reversible factors, and is sometimes curable (5%) e.g. by failure of kidneys to regulate blood pressure, pregnancy complications, medications, Sleep Apnoea syndrome etc.
The other types include:
Malignant Hypertension
This, the most severe form of hypertension, is severe and progressive. It rapidly leads to organ damage. Unless properly treated, it is fatal within five years for the majority of patients. Death usually comes from heart failure, kidney damage or brain haemorrhage. However, aggressive
Hypertension also known as high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurs when the blood travels through the vessels in excess. Cardio output is too high and this puts pressure on the arterial walls or peripheral resistance occurs due to a narrowing of arteries. It is a serious medical problem yet most are not aware they have it due to the lack of symptoms. For this reason, it is known as a silent killer. It is a risk factor for other diseases such as heart disease and kidney failure.
It affects cognitive functioning such as memory, learning capabilities, abstract reasoning, mental flexibility and attention. These are especially apparent in young hypertensives.
MEASURING HYPERTENSION
It is measured with a sphygmomanometer, which assesses the levels of the systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the greatest pressure developed during ventricular contraction, whereas diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is relaxed. Systolic has a greater value in diagnosis. A normal blood pressure should sit at 80/120. Mild hypertension is defined by 90-100/140-159, moderate hypertension is about 100-120/160-179 and severe hypertension is 120/180-200. Having systolic pressure under 120 is best.
CAUSES OF HYPERTENSION
The two major types are:
- Primary or essential hypertension, that has no known cause, is diagnosed in the majority of people (95%)
- Secondary hypertension is often caused by reversible factors, and is sometimes curable (5%) e.g. by failure of kidneys to regulate blood pressure, pregnancy complications, medications, Sleep Apnoea syndrome etc.
The other types include:
Malignant Hypertension
This, the most severe form of hypertension, is severe and progressive. It rapidly leads to organ damage. Unless properly treated, it is fatal within five years for the majority of patients. Death usually comes from heart failure, kidney damage or brain haemorrhage. However, aggressive
Bibliography: * Coetzee, K. (2010). Types of Hypertension. Available online: <http://www.health24.com/medical/Condition_centres/777-792-815-1775,17124.asp> [Accessed 27 May 2013]