Hypertension--Part I
LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, June 2, 2005
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Hypertension, another name for high blood pressure, affects about one out of every six people in North America. It is most likely to affect men over the age of 35, but anyone can suffer from it-from children to the elderly.
High blood pressure is generally considered to be systolic pressure of higher than 140 and diastolic pressure of higher than 90. Although the normal blood pressure reading for adults is 120/80, a slightly higher or lower reading can be normal for a particular person.
About 95% of people with high blood pressure have what is called primary hypertension, which is high blood pressure not caused by another medical condition.
Mild to moderate primary elevated blood pressure is commonly associated with normal health and well-being for many years. People with this affliction often don't know they have primary hypertension. Vague symptoms eventually appear, such as pulsating headaches that occur in the early morning and subside during the day. In addition to headaches, more severe hypertension may be associated with sleepiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances.
Less common types of hypertension are secondary hypertension and malignant hypertension. Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that is the result of another medical condition. It often can be cured by treating the original medical condition. Typical causes of secondary hypertension are kidney and lung diseases, hormonal disorders, and blood vessel problems.
Malignant hypertension is a rare disorder that can produce diastolic pressures of 130-170. It is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately. With proper treatment, malignant hypertension can be controlled.
Tune in next week for Hypertension-Part II: Risk factors
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