What Is Blood Pressure?!

• Blood pressure is the force of blood pressing against the walls of your arteries.

• When it's too high, it raises the heart's workload and can cause serious damage to the arteries.

• Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

What Is Hypertension?!

• The word Hypertension is another word for High Blood Pressure

• Sustained high blood pressure - above 140/90 mm Hg, according to most experts - is called hypertension

What Causes Hypertension?!• Normal blood pressure readings will fall below

120/80, while higher results over time can show hypertension.

• The underlying cause of hypertension is unknown.

The top number (systolic) shows the pressure when your heart beats. The lower number (diastolic) measures pressure at rest between heartbeats, when the heart refills with blood.

• Studies have shown kidney or adrenal gland disease can lead to hypertension.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hypertension?!

• One of the most dangerous aspects of hypertension is that you may not know that you have it.

• High blood pressure is sometimes called a “silent killer because it may have no outward symptoms for years”

• It can quietly damage the heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain, and kidneys if left untreated. It's a major risk factor for strokes and heart attacks in the U.S.

What Are The Factors Of Hypertension That Can’t Be Changed?!

• HeredityThose with a family history of hypertension are

twice as likely to develop it as others. • RaceHypertension is more common and generally more

severe among blacks. For reasons not completely understood, blacks - especially males - tend to develop high blood pressure earlier in life, and much more often with fatal results.

What Are The Factors Of Hypertension That Can’t Be Changed(cont’d)?!

• PregnancyHypertension is not related to a person's sex.

However, during pregnancy, some women - even those who have never had high blood pressure - develop it.

What Are The Factors of Hypertension That Can Be Changed?!

• ExerciseExercise strengthens the cardiovascular system and reduces

the risk of heart disease. Most experts recommend aerobic exercise for 20-30 minutes at least three times a week.

• CalciumSome studies suggest that eating too little calcium may result

in high blood pressure readings. Low fat dairy products and some leafy green vegetables are the best sources of calcium.

• MagnesiumA lack magnesium may be linked to hypertension. Get your

magnesium from foods such as low-fat dairy products and grains.

What Are The Factors of Hypertension That Can Be Changed(cont’d)?!

• PotassiumAn adequate potassium intake may help prevent or lower high

blood pressure. A diet that contains grains, fruits, and vegetables will supply plenty of potassium since it is abundant in these foods.

• Polyunsaturated fatsReplacing saturated fats in the diet with polyunsaturated fats

may cause a reducing in blood pressure.• Relaxation techniquesBiofeedback, hypnosis, mediation, and other relaxation

techniques may produce a modest, temporary reduction in blood pressure in some people.

What's Pre-Hypertension?!

• Almost one-quarter of Americans have prehypertension.

• Their blood pressure is consistently just above the normal level falling anywhere between 120 and 139 for systolic pressure or 80 to 89 for the diastolic pressure.

• People in this range have twice the risk of developing heart disease than those with a lower reading.

When Is Your Blood Pressure Too High?!

• You have high blood pressure if readings average140/90 or higher though you may still have no symptoms.

• At 180/110 and higher, you may be having a hypertensive crisis. Rest for a few minutes and take your blood pressure again. If it is still very high, call 911.

• A hypertensive crisis can lead to a stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, or loss of consciousness. Symptoms of a hypertensive crisis can consist of a severe headache, anxiety, nosebleeds, and feeling short of breath.

What Gender Is More Likely To Have Hypertension?!

• Hypertension is more common in men and women as they age.

• By the age of 65 women tend to the hypertension.

• If you have a family member that has hypertension or is diabetic you are at a higher risk for hypertension.

• Studies have shown that 60% of people with diabetes have hypertension

What Ethnicity Is At A Greater Risk For Hypertension?!

• African-Americans are more likely to have hypertension and develop it at a younger age.

• African-Americans are more sensitive to salt• People who have a gene that makes them salt

sensitive, just a teaspoon of salt can raise their blood pressure by 5 mm Hg

What Are Some Factors That Can Cause or Increase Hypertension?!

• Sodium-processed foods contribute up to 75% of your

sodium intake• Stress -stress may spike your blood pressure but no

studies have shown that it causes an ongoing condition

• Weight-overweight places a strain on your heart and

increases your risk of hypertension

What Are Some Factors That Can Cause or Increase

Hypertension(cont’d)?!• Pregnancy -Gestational Hypertension is a kind of high blood

pressure that occurs during pregnancy• Children -’’normal’’ blood pressure varies based on age,

height, and gender• Alcohol, Caffeine, and Medicine

What Is “White Coat Hypertension”?!

• "White-coat hypertension" is a condition in which people experience high blood pressure only when they visit the doctor's office.

• People who experience it have an elevated systolic blood pressure between 140 and 180 mmHg while at the doctor's office and a "normal" blood pressure in other situations.

• Most healthcare providers agree that no treatment is required.

What Are Some Treatments That Can Help Control Hypertension?!

• The DASH Diet-Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension ;eating

veggies, fruits, low dairy intake, fish, nuts, • Exercise-adults should get about 150 minutes of moderate

intensity exercise every week• Diuretics -’’water pills’’ help the body shed excess water and

sodium

What Are Some Treatments That Can Help Control Hypertension(cont’d)?!• Beta-Blockers-work by slowing the heart rate, which means

the heart doesn’t have to work as hard• ACE Inhibitors-reduce your body’s supply off angiotensin II• ARB’s-these drugs act as a block receptor for

angiotensin II

What Are Some Treatments That Can Help Control Hypertension(cont’d)?!• Calcium Channel Blockers-medication’s that ease the heart’s contraction

and relax blood vessels• Complementary Therapies-medication’s that can put you in a state of deep

rest, which can lower blood pressure

How Do I Live With Hypertension?!

• Hypertension is often a life-long condition.• It's important to take your medications and

continue to monitor your blood pressure. • If you keep it under control, you can reduce

your risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure.

Works Cited• http://www.medicinenet.com/

high_blood_pressure_pictures_slideshow/article.htm

• http://hypertension.emedtv.com/white-coat-hypertension/white-coat-hypertension.html

• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001502/

• http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/hypertension/overview.html

• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/DS00100