Normal Blood Pressure: Commonly referenced values are 120/80 mmHg or 120/70 mmHg.
Hypertensive Values:
Stage 1 Hypertension: 130/80 to 139/89 mmHg
Stage 2 Hypertension: 140/90 mmHg and above
Hypotension: A value like 70/40 mmHg indicates hypotension.
Primary Hypertension:
Accounts for 90-95% of cases.
No identifiable cause, commonly develops gradually.
Risk factors include age, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and genetics.
Secondary Hypertension:
Caused by another condition, such as kidney disease.
Less common but identifiable through underlying issues.
Age: More common in men over 45 and women over 65.
Smoking: Raises blood pressure and damages artery walls.
Alcohol Consumption: Excessive drinking raises blood pressure, should be limited to 2 drinks per day for men and 1 for women over 65.
Obesity: More body weight means more blood is needed, which can raise blood pressure.
Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise weakens the heart and circulation.
High Sodium Diet: Increases fluid retention, leading to higher blood pressure.
Genetics: Family history increases risk; certain ethnicities (like African Americans) may have salt sensitivity.
Often referred to as a silent killer, symptoms may not present until levels are significantly high (headaches, blurred vision, dizziness).
Cardiac Output (CO):
Formula: CO = Stroke \, Volume imes Heart \, Rate
Increased CO raises blood pressure.
Peripheral Vascular Resistance (PVR):
Influenced by blood vessel constriction; greater resistance raises blood pressure.
Heart Rate (HR): Elevated heart rates can indicate problems if persistently high.
Stroke Volume: The amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat; lower stroke volume means the heart is compensating.
Arterial Baroreceptors: Detect changes in pressure and help regulate heart rate and vascular resistance.
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System: Regulates blood pressure and fluid balance, releasing renin in response to low blood flow.
Vascular Autoregulation: Ensures tissues receive adequate blood flow despite changes in systemic pressure.
Annual Check-Ups: Regular blood pressure measurements essential as many people remain asymptomatic until serious complications arise.
Diagnostics:
Urinalysis, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), Chest X-ray, ECG to monitor the heart condition and assess fluid in the lungs.
Lifestyle Modifications: Healthy diet low in sodium, regular physical activity, weight management, avoid tobacco and reduce alcohol intake.
Medications:
Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide) can lower blood volume.
ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril) protect the kidneys.
Beta Blockers (e.g., Metoprolol) reduce heart rate and cardiac output.
Calcium Channel Blockers to relax blood vessels.
Importance of adhering to medication regimens and managing risk factors. Monitoring and reporting changes in blood pressure and symptoms.
White Coat Syndrome: Elevated blood pressure levels due to anxiety in clinical settings.
Cost and Accessibility: Financial issues and access to healthcare impact treatment compliance.