Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, is a
condition in which the arteries have persistently elevated blood
pressure. Every time the human heart beats, it pumps blood to the
whole body through the arteries. (Medical News Today, 2013) High
blood pressure (hypertension) means that your blood is pumping at a
higher pressure than normal through your arteries. (Better Health
Channel, 2013)
Slide 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_Hm0 zQ6XQ8
Slide 4
In most cases - No obvious symptoms associated with
Hypertension. Hypertension can be present in the body, even if a
person is physically feeling well. Hypertension can only be
detected by having it checked from a health professional. Checks
should occur at least once annually. Hypertension is measured by a
Sphygmomanometer, which records two readings: Systolic Is the
highest pressure against the arteries as the heart pumps. Diastolic
Is the pressure against the arteries as the heart relaxes and fills
with blood. Normal systolic pressure Between 110-130mmHg Normal
diastolic pressure Between 70-80mmHg (Wholify, 2013) Source: Better
Health Channel, Heart Foundation
Slide 5
The physical concerns of Hypertension are mainly located in
vital organs and functions of the body. Heart The heart is at a
high risk of having a heart attack due to hypertension. Chest
pains, called angina can occur. This is caused by the heart not
receiving enough oxygen from the arteries. Congestive Heart Failure
(CHF) is when the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to the
body. This is caused by weakened chambers, which allows blood to
pool into the heart and veins. Hypertension is the highest risk
factor for CHF. Kidney Kidneys filter the body's waste.
Hypertension can thicken and narrow blood vessels of the kidneys.
As a result of this, the kidneys may filter less waste and
potentially cause a build up. This may cause kidney failure.
Source: NHLBI
Slide 6
Arteries in the body harden, as people age. Hypertension causes
arteries to become stiff and more hardened. This causes the kidneys
and heart to work their muscles harder. Eyes Blood vessels in the
eye may burst due to Hypertension. This may cause partial or full
blindness. Hypertension causes blood clots to occur. This can cause
narrow arteries to become blocked and cause a stroke. (Blogspot,
2013) Source: NHLBI
Slide 7
(1990 - 2000 Data, Australian Residents) A Heart Foundation
Survey completed in 2010 found one in three Australians aged 30-65
years had been told by a doctor that they have high blood pressure.
This equates to roughly 3.5 million Australians. Source:
AusDiab
Slide 8
There is evidence for the US, Australia and Korea indicates
that men have slightly higher pressures than women and slightly
greater prevalence of hypertension. In the US, the sex difference
is reversed at about age 70 and persists throughout the rest of the
lifespan. How much these gender differences affect gender
differences in cardiovascular disease is not clear. (Wikimedia,
2012) Source: Dunstan HP
Slide 9
Hypertension remains one of the leading causes of death in
Australia, accounting for 47,637 or 36% of deaths in 2004.
Hypertension is one of the largest causes of premature death in
Australia. Hypertension accounts for 19% of all deaths of males,
and 18% of all deaths of females. Stroke has been the second most
common cause of cardiovascular death since 1968, causing 7% of all
deaths for males and 11% of all deaths for females in 2004. Source:
Australian Bureau of Statistics (Deviantart, 2013)
Slide 10
Diseases of the circulatory system were responsible for around
27% of total Indigenous male and female deaths for the period
2001-2005. In comparison, these diseases accounted for 34% of all
male deaths and 40% of all female deaths for non-Indigenous
Australians. Heart attacks and Angina were responsible for 64% of
Indigenous male deaths and 49% of Indigenous female deaths, while
stroke (caused by Hypertension) accounted for 14% of male deaths
and 19% of female deaths. Compared with non-Indigenous Australians,
Indigenous males and females experienced higher rates of mortality
from diseases of the circulatory system in every age group. This is
because the lifestyle of Indigenous Australians has changed
(hunter-gather). Alcohol, physical inactivity, nutrition,
overweight and obesity highly increases the chance of having
Hypertension in Indigenous Australians. Source: Australian Bureau
of Statistics
Slide 11
(2001 2005) Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Slide 12
(2001 2005) Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Slide 13
Risk Factors High Salt Diet High Saturated Fat Diet Unhealthy
Lifestyle People aged over 55 Family History of Hypertension
Slide 14
An unhealthy lifestyle and diet is a high risk factor of
Hypertension. A high salt and/or saturated fat diet significantly
increases the risk of Hypertension. This is because it causes
cholesterol levels to rise in the body, clogging up arteries.
People aged 55 and over have a higher chance of having
Hypertension, as the risk of having Hypertension increases with
age. Women are less likely to have Hypertension, compared to men. A
family history of having Hypertension increases the risk of
inheriting it. Source: Better Health Channel, Craig Webber
Slide 15
Lack of exercise Heavy drinking Obesity A diet consisting of
high salt Kidney disease Cigarette smoking High levels of saturated
fat in diet - High blood cholesterol Diabetes Drugs (Contraceptive
pill, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, some nasal drops and
sprays, cough medicines, eye drops and appetite suppressants.
Source: Better Health Channel
Slide 16
Hypertension can be easily managed by healthier lifestyle and
diet choices, as the main causes of Hypertension are diet and
lifestyle related. Consistent exercising At least 30 minutes a day
of exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This
can include: Light jogging, power walking, dancing or swimming.
Avoid heavy lifting, as it causes the heart to pump more blood.
Reducing saturated fat and salt intake. Avoiding processed foods
(Processed meats, take-away, potato crisps, frozen foods and salted
nuts). Consuming nutrient-dense foods (Vegetables, wholegrains,
rice, fruits, oily fish, nuts, legumes, milk, yoghurt and lean
meats). Drinking a sufficient amount of water daily (8 glasses or 2
litres). DASH Diet This diet has an emphasis on real foods, heavy
on fruits and vegetables, balanced with the right amount of
protein, DASH is the perfect weight loss solution. Source: Health
Insite, Better Health Channel
Slide 17
No obvious symptoms with Hypertension Mainly caused by
lifestyle and diet factors. Can easily be managed by modifying
lifestyle and diet. 30 Minutes of light exercising each day.
Sufferers should avoid heavy lifting. Consuming more nutrient-dense
foods and reducing processed foods. Less salt and saturated fat in
diet. (Zahlmann, 2013)
Slide 18
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