Hypertension
Epidemiology
Over one third of Americans
More common in African Americans than other populations
Prevalence increases with age
Pathophysiology
Changes in sympathetic nervous system lead to
vasoconstriction and therefore increased BP
Two main causes = increased blood volume, increased
peripheral vascular resistance
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system overacts and causes
water and salt retention, leading to increased BP
Also causes remodeling of vessel wall which permanently
increases vascular resistance
Risk factors
Obesity
Tobacco Use
Unhealthy/High sodium diet
Excessive Alcohol Use
Increased Age
Family History
African Americans
Clinical Presentation
Usually asymptomatic
Symptoms arise from organs/body systems
affected by sustained hypertension
Elevated BP
Diagnosis
Person must be seated, arm at heart level, no caffeine or
nicotine in prior 30 minutes
24 hour BP monitoring
Two elevated BP readings at least 2 minutes apart on 2
separate occasions
CBC, UA, EKG
Treatment
Dietary changes (low sodium)
Exercise/Weight Loss
Smoking Cessation
Anti-hypertensive medications
