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Human Cardiovascular System: Hypertension
Heart diseases are the number one cause of death in the United States.(Kochanek, 2002) (NEO)

Hypertension means high blood pressure. This generally means: -Systolic blood pressure is consistently over 140 (systolic is the "top" number of your blood pressure measurement, which represents the pressure generated when the heart beats). -Diastolic blood pressure is consistently over 90 (diastolic is the "bottom" number of your blood pressure measurement, which represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest). Either or both of these numbers may be too high in the case of hypertension. (Dorrance, 2006) (NEO)

-Hypertension typically results in a thickening and inelasticity of arterial walls and hypertrophy of the left heart ventricle. (Medline) (MAS)

Pre-hypertension is when your systolic blood pressure is between 120 and 139 or your diastolic blood pressure is between 80 and 89 on multiple readings. If you have pre-hypertension, you are likely to develop high blood pressure at some point. (Medline) (SGF)

HYPERTENSION AND PREGNANCY

-Hypertension complicates 8-10% of all pregnancies usually after 20 weeks of conception. (MeSH, 2005) (EJM)

-Hypertension in pregnant women is known as preeclampsia and can include edema and high levels of protein in the urine. If left untreated, preeclampsia can become eclampsia which can produce seizures. Eclampsia can result in coma or death of the mother and baby. Preeclampsia and eclampsia are cured by the birth of the baby. (Web MD, March 2006) (MMC)

-Preeclampsia produces changes in vitamin D and calcium metabolism. As a result, vitamin D, due to its immunomodulatory properties, may play a beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia during pregnancy. (Hypponen, 2005) (MMC)

-Women who experience preeclampsia during pregnancy are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. (Kaaja and Greer, 2005) (MMC)

HYPERTENSION AND THE ELDERLY

-In a study performed in four academic health centers, a reduction in sodium level intake and weight loss proved to be a safe and effective way to provide hypertension therapy to elderly patients. (Journal of American Medical Association JAMA, 1998) (EJM)

In an experiment done to analyze the effects of an antihypertensive drug treatment on the elderly along with complications and mortality, it was found that the medications decreased the effects of hypertension, and increased mortality rates of elderly patients. (Insua et al., 1994) (SBM)

HYPERTENSION AND HEREDITY

-Only 5-10% of people suffering from hypertension can determine the organic source. The other 90-95% of people suffering from hypertension suffer from "essential" or "primary" hypertension in which the cause is unknown. The major factors of "essential" or "primary" hypertension are thought to be one's diet, heredity, and environmental conditions. (Wilber, 1960) (KRA)

-From identical twin studies, it is found that approximately 50% of "essential" hypertension cases are inherited. (Wilber, 1960) (KRA)

-High blood pressure affects many adult Americans. Approximately 25% of all black Americans suffer from some case of elevated blood pressure. This prevelance is about twice the amount of cases amongst white Americans. The prevelance of hypertensive heart disease amoung black Americans is 3 times that of white americans. (Wilber, 1960) (KRA)

HYPERTENSION AND STRESS

-Research indicates that psychosocial stress interacts with genetic and dietary factors to contribute to hypertension. (Dressler,1984) (KRA)

-Persons with hypertension are more sensitive to events involving social change and social loss (stressful events). (Dressler, 1984) (KRA)

SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTENSION

-Usually, no symptoms are present with high blood pressure. Occasionally, you may experience a mild headache. If your headache is severe, or if you experience any of the symptoms below, you must be seen by a doctor right away. These may be a sign of dangerously high blood pressure (called malignant hypertension) or a complication from high blood pressure. tiredness confusion vision changes angina-like chest pain (crushing chest pain) heart failure blood in urine nosebleed irregular heartbeat ear noise or buzzing (Wang, 2004) (NEO)

TREATMENTS OF HYPERTENSION

-Nitrendipine, which inhibits the movement of calcium in certain cardio channels, presents an effective and safe treatment to mild and moderate cases of hypertension. (PubMed, 1987) (EJM)

-According to a study performed by the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Maryland, exercise training decreased blood pressure levels in about 75% of all individuals with hypertension. However, women’s blood pressure levels were affected more by exercise training in comparison with men’s blood pressure levels. (Hagberg JM et al., 2000) (EJM)

-Hypertension affects 20-60% of individuals with diabetes. A common and effective treatment of diabetic patients with hypertension is the use of Beta-blockers. (Arauz-Pacheco et al., 2002). (EJM)

-There are many ways to help control your blood pressure. One main way to contorl high blood pressure is through Lifestyle changes. For example, lose weight if you are overweight. Excess weight adds to strain on the heart. In some cases, weight loss may be the only treatment needed. Also, exercise to help your heart and adjust your diet as needed. Decrease fat and sodium .Increase fruits, vegetables, and fiber intake. (Whelton, 2002) (NEO)

-Hypertension is a controllable disease with treatment. It does require lifelong monitoring, and sometimes the treatments may require adjustments over a period of time.(Eyre, 2004) (NEO)

REFERENCES

Dressler, W. (1984). Hypertension and Perceived Stress: A St. Lucian Exapmple. Ethos, 12 (3): 265-283.

Hypponen, E. (2005). Vitamin D for the Prevention of Preeclampsia? A Hypothesis. Nutrition Reviews, 63 (7): 225-232.

Kaaja, R.J., and Greer, I.A. (2005). Manifestations of Chronic Disease During Pregancy. Journal of the American Medical Association, 294 (21): 2751-2757

Web MD. Pregnancy: Preeclampsia and Eclampsia. Retrieved March 27, 2006 from the World Wide Web: 

Wilber, J. (1960). Hypertension: An Editorial. Phylon (1960-), 38 (4): 352-355