Raised pressure in the arterial system as measured with a blood pressure meter
Causes of hypertension?
Inherited or secondary to other diseases or bad diet (too much salt)
The pressure in the arteries is mainly regulated and given the constrict abilities by which organ?
the kidney
Symptoms of hypertension?
Headaches
OR can be asymptomatic
Effects of longstanding hypertension include:
The heart muscle working against such high pressure can be overworked and lead to heart failure and enlarged heart
The arteries holding the pressure can be damaged leading to ruptured vessels and blocking of the arteries, resulting in strokes, heart attacks, and the loss of limbs.
Also has a negative effect on the kidneys leading to kidney failure and more hypertension
Hypertension treatments?
Oral medication given at even the smallest clinics where follow up is done
Extreme cases of Hypertension?
Patients are referred to doctors and to other levels of care depending on the end organ damage.