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Hypertension is high blood pressure, it is the most common disease affecting the heart and blood vessels.
Primary hypertension(essential hypertension) is a persistently elevated blood pressure that cannot be attributed to any particular organic cause. Approximately 85 percent of all hypertension cases fit this category. The other 15 percent are secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension has an identifiable underlying cause such as atherosclerosis, kidney disease, and adrenal hypersecretion. Atherosclerosis increases blood pressure by reducing the elasticity of the arterial wall and narrowing the lumen through which the blood can flow. Kidney disease and obstruction of blood flow may cause the kidneys to release renin into the blood. This enzyme catalyzes the formation of angiotensin 11 from a plasma protein. Angiotensin 11 is a powerful blood-vessel constrictor-and- the most potent agent known for raising blood pressure. It also stimulates aldosterone release. Aldosteronism, the hypersecretion of aldosterone, may also cause an increase in blood pressure. Aldosterone is the adrenal cortex hormone that promotes the retention of salt and water by the kidneys. It tends to increase plasma volume. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla. It produces and releases into the blood large quanities of norepiinephrine and epinephrine. These hormones also raise blood pressure. Epinephrine causes an increase in heart rate and norepinephrine causes vasoconstriction.
High blood pressure is of considerable concern because of the harm it can do to the heart, brain, and kidneys if it remains uncontrolled. The heart is most commonly affected by high blood pressure. When pressure is high, the heart uses more energy in pumping. Because of the increased effort, the heart muscle thickens and the heart becomes enlarged. The heart also needs more oxygen. If it cannot meet the demands put on it, angina pectoris or even myocardial infraction may develop. Hypertension is also a factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Continued high blood pressure may produce a cerebral vascular accident or stroke. Severe strain has been imposed on the cerebral arteries that supply the brain. These arteries are usually less protected by surrounding tissues than are the major arteries in other parts of the body. These weakened cerebral arteries may finally rupture, and a brain hemorrhage follows.
The kidneys are also prime targets of hypertension. The principal site of damage is in the arterioles that supply them, The continual high blood pressure pushing against the walls of the arterioles causes them to thicken, thus narrowing the lumen. The blood supply to the kidneys is gradually reduced. The kidneys may secrete renin , which raises the blood pressure even higher and complicates this problem. The reduced blood flow to the kidney cells may eventually lead to the death of the cells.
Hypertension cannot be cured. However, almost all cases , mild or severe can be controlled. The overweight person with hypertension will usually be placed on a reducing diet,because blood pressure often falls with weight loss. The treatment often involves the restriction of sodium intake. Sodium restriction curbs fluid retention by the body and also tends to reduce blood volume. Less fat and more potassium and calcium may also lead to a reduction in blood pressure.
Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, it elevates blood pressure, stopping smoking may help to decrease blood pressure. Exercise can help to reduce blood pressure.
Many people can be treated with the wide range of drugs available. Many people can be treated with diuretics, whicheliminate large amounts of water and sodium, thus decreasing blood volume and reducing blood pressure. Vasodilators are often used in combination with diuretics. They relax the smooth muscle in arterial walls, causing vasodilation and thus lowering blood pressure. Beta blockers are also used to lower blood pressure.
PJLeblanc, as an author approaches many topics that she believes are of concern to todays readers. The author is a biologist, and an educator, the author also understands that some topics are controversial. Particular attention is paid to topics concerning family and health.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
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