Download Hypertension (HTN)

Hypertension (HTN)
What Is Hypertension
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Persistent blood pressure that is higher than the
recommended blood pressure range
About 60% of all Americans have some form
of high blood pressure (pre-hypertension or
hypertension)
HTN means the heart is working harder than
normal putting extra strain on the heart and
vessels.
Blood Pressure Ranges
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Normal blood pressure range < 120/80
Pre-Hypertension >120/80 but <140/90
Hypertension - >140/90
Both systolic and diastolic pressures do not have
to be out of range
Only Systolic or Diastolic must be out of range
to qualify as hypertension
Two Stages of HTN
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Stage 1 HTN >140/90 but <160/100
Stage 2 HTN >160/100
What Causes HTN
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90%-95% of the time hypertension is elevated
blood pressure without an identifiable cause.
Exact cause is unknown
Many contributing factors have been identified
as predisposing factors to HTN
Predisposing Factors for HTN
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Hereditary Predisposition (Family History)
Sodium intake
Weight
Diabetes Mellitus
Alcohol Consumption
Smoking
Serum Lipid Levels (Cholesterol and LDL)
Sedentary Lifestyle
Ethnicity
Age
Gender
Socioeconomic Status
Stress
Signs and Symptoms
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Known as the Silent killer
If BP is very high, you may experience:
-fatigue
-decreased activity tolerance
-dizziness
-palpitations
-angina
-dyspnea
How HTN is diagnosed
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Based on the average of
2+ seated BP
measurements at the
MD’s office
Must be averaged
Must be seated BP
measurements
Must be in the MD’s
office
Complications Related to HTN
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Heart Failure
Enlarged Left Side of the Heart
Coronary Artery Disease
Cerebrovascular disease (Brain)
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Kidney Failure
Retinal Damage (Eyes)
Treatment of HTN
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Different types require different treatments
Pre-Hypertension – Lifestyle modifications
Stage I Hypertension – Lifestyle modifications
and a thiazide-type diuretic
Stage II Hypertension – Lifestyle modifications,
thiazide-type diuretic and one another
antihypertensive drug
Not definitive
Treatment is personalized
How to Prevent HTN
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Lifestyle modifications prevent HTN and include:
-Maintaining a Healthy Weight
-Reduce Salt/Sodium Intake
-Increase Physical Exercise
Smoking Cessation
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Limit Fat Intake
Control Diabetes
Stress Relieving Techniques
Take BP Meds as Ordered
Home Monitoring of BP
References
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Lewis, S. L., Heitkemper, M. M., Dirksen, S. R.,
O’Brien, P. G., & Bucher, L. (2007). MedicalSrugical Nursing: Assessment and Management of
Clinical Problems. Missouri: Mosby.