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Hypertension Essay example

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Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. A normal blood pressure is 120/80. A blood pressure reading higher or equal to 140/90 is considered abnormally high. Elevated blood pressure means your heart is working harder than normal, putting both your heart and arteries under great strain. High blood pressure is serious business.

On average, people with uncontrolled hypertension are:Seven times more likely to have a stroke. Six times more likely to develop congestive heart failure. Three times more likely to have a heart attack.Different types of hypertensionFrom my research, I didn't find any other types of hypertension.What are some causes?In 90% of cases, the cause of hypertension is unknown. This is called …show more content…

But symptoms do show up if the case is severe. Some of these symptoms are:Headache Nosebleeds Drowsiness Confusion Dizziness Irregular heartbeat Numbness and tingling in hands and feet Coughing up blood Shortness of breathHealth HazardsHypertension accelerates hardening of the arteries, which may contribute to a stroke or heart attack. This can also lead to brain hemorrhage, kidney failure, heart failure, or blindness. TreatmentsThe best way to treat hypertension is to just change your lifestyle (see Preventive Measures), but many times, patients need other medications and therapies.

No more than 2 percent of hypertensive patients can be treated surgically. There are basically four groups of drugs a physician would prescribe a hypertension patient:DiureticsThis is usually the first choice a doctor would prescribe. It helps by increasing the rate you body eliminates urine and salt. However, this can also increase your cholesterol level, make you urinate more frequently, and may cause a loss of potassium.Beta-Adrenergic BlockersThese drugs are usually prescribed if a diuretic does not help bring your blood pressure down, and sometimes are used in combination with diuretics. Beta-adrenergic blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline in your body.

This means that it will cause your heart to beat slower, with less force against your blood vessels. Common side effects are lethargy and fatigue. Some of

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