Hypertension

Hypertension High blood pressure Also known as the silent killer Why? Of the 50 million hypertensive people in the US, only 23 million are aware of it

Can Result In: Heart attacks Strokes Kidney disease

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It affects all age groups and both genders

Factors that Contribute to Hypertension: 1. Obesity: The heart must work harder to nourish the extra mass It takes about 3.5 miles of blood vessels to nourish one pound of fat

However, you cannot just look at someone body weight and assume they are hypertensive.

2. Heredity: Tends to run in families

3. Diet: High sodium (salt) intake NaCl and H2O work together—if you take in a lot of salt (NaCl), H2O rushes in as well

5. Stress: Long term mental stress can contribute to high bp 6. Unknown: Most cases have no specific cause (essential hypertension)

What is a normal range for blood pressure? 120/80mmHg

The top number is called the systolic (reading) pressure Systolic: pressure against the artery wall when the heart is contracting

The bottom number is called the diastolic pressure Diastolic: pressure against the artery wall when the heart is at rest

The numbers may be interpreted as the force of blood against the artery wall mmHg stands for millimeters of mercury 120/80 means there is enough force (from the heart) to drive a column of mercury up 120mm upon contraction and 80mm just before rest

Aside: Stephen Hale

140/90mmHg considered hypertensive 140/90—120/80mmHg considered pre-hypertensive Medical community is thinking about treating anyone with high bp with medication. Why?

Blood pressure is measured with a device called a sphygmomanometer

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Treatment of Hypertension Besides the obvious: Diet and Exercise

Treatment of Hypertension Medication: #1 treatment Wide range of drugs from over the counter to strong prescriptions

Medications for Hypertension A. Diuretics: Water pills—stimulate the kidney to remove water and salt from the circulatory system Very efficient and inexpensive

Medications for Hypertension B. Beta blockers: Blocks adrenaline effects so bp does not rise Common treatment for anyone who has experienced a heart attack

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C. Calcium channel blockers: Prevent calcium from entering the artery muscle cells Does not allow the muscle cells to be in constant contraction

How to Take Blood Pressure 1. Place cuff on person’s upper arm 2. Place the stethoscope under the cuff

3. Inflate the cuff to just over 180mmHg 4. Do NOT inflate the cuff over 200mmHg This collapses the major arteries to the arm

5. Slowly release air by turning the air valve a half turn The first sound that you hear is the systolic pressure (note the pressure on the gauge) The last sound that you hear is the diastolic pressure