Long-Term Care

Hypertension--Part II

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, June 30, 2005

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This is part II of the May 26 issue of LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer.

Several risk factors have been identified that increase a person's chance of developing hypertension. Often the cause appears to be a combination of these risk factors. Some of the most common risk factors include the following:

Age
As people age, the elasticity of their arteries decreases so they are not as yielding to the pressure of the blood. A buildup of material on the inner walls of the blood vessels is also more likely. This affects both the systolic and the diastolic pressure.

Stress
Stress increases cardiac output and constricts (or makes smaller) the arteries. This results in increased blood pressure. The increase is usually temporary-however, prolonged stress can result in constant elevation of the blood pressure.

Race
High blood pressure is about 50% more common in African Americans than in Caucasians. It also tends to be more severe in African Americans.

Family history
Because people with a family history of hypertension are more likely to develop it, some experts believe there is a familial tendency to develop the disease.

Obesity
Obese or overweight people often develop high blood pressure. Weight loss often lowers the blood pressure and may even eliminate the need for medication.

Medications
Some medications may increase the blood pressure. Changing the medication, if possible, will allow the blood pressure to return to normal.

Salt
Salt appears to affect the blood pressure in some people, but not in others. However, because it is difficult to determine who will be affected, it is wise for everyone to keep salt intake to a minimum.

Alcohol
Alcohol can also raise blood pressure, so people with a tendency towards elevated blood pressure should keep their alcohol intake to a minimum.

Smoking
Smoking increases blood pressure because it constricts (or makes smaller) the blood vessels. This increases the pressure needed to move the blood through the vessels.

Exercise
Exercise raises the blood pressure temporarily. However, when exercise is a regular part of a person's schedule, his or her blood pressure usually decreases. This is because physical activity improves the heart's action and circulation, and helps maintain proper weight.



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