Hypertension Effects and Prevention
Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. ... Normal blood pressure is a reading of 120/80 mmHg, or below and hypertension is defined as having a consistent reading of 140/90 mmHg, or above. There are many different causes of hypertension. The purpose of this paper is to define the causes of hypertension, the effects of hypertension, and ways to prevent hypertension. 3 WHAT CAUSES HYPERTENSION The primary cause of hypertension is unknown. Genetic factors are thought to play a prominent role in the development of hypertension. However, the genes for hypertension have not yet been identified. ... Approximately 30% of cases of hypertension are attributable to genetic factors. ... (1) In individuals who have one or two parents with hypertension, high blood pressure is twice as common as in general population. Certain unusual genetic disorders affecting the hormones of the adrenal glands may lead to hypertension. It has been found that the vast majority of people with hypertension have in common a particular abnormality in the arteries, which are, they have an increased resistance in the tiny arteries that are most distant from the heart. ... An increase in peripheral artery resistance is present in people whose hypertension is associated with genetic factors.(1) Hypertension can be caused from a numerous amount of factors, such as, obesity, alcohol or tobacco use, stress, high fat or sodium diet. Hypertension is common among obese adults. ... People who drink alcohol excessively (more than 2 drinks a day) have a one and a half to two times increase in the frequency of hypertension. ... In other words, the more alcohol that is consumed, the connection with hypertension grows stronger. Although smoking increases the risk of vascular complications in people with hypertension, it is not associated with an increase in the development of hypertension. ... For years, there has been controversy over whether salt (sodium chloride) in the diet can cause hypertension. ... (1) 6 EFFECTS OF HYPERTENSION People experiencing sustained and untreated hypertension are subjected to potential life-threatening risk factors. ... Symptoms of hypertension are often silent. Although, hypertension can stop organs such as neurons, eyes, and kidneys may be severely affected. ... Retinal changes in hypertension observed with a fundiscope include focal spasm, progressive narrowing of arterioles, hemorrhages, exudates and papilledema. In the kidney, hypertension may cause arteriosclerotic lesions of the afferent and efferent artioles resulting in decreased glomerular filtration rate and tubular dysfunction. ... (2) 8 PREVENTION OF HYPERTENSION Hypertension cannot be controlled by factors such as, age, race, or family history. Although, making a few lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and prevent hypertension.