HYPERTENSION (High Blood Pressure) |
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HYPERTENSION (High Blood Pressure)
DESCRIPTIONHypertension is an increase in the force against arteries (blood vessels) as blood circulates through them. Hypertension is sometimes called "the silent killer" because it often has no symptoms in the early stages. The heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and eyes (advanced stages) are involved. Hypertension is more common in adults than children.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care after diagnosis.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
Surgery (sometimes for rare, curable forms of hypertension).
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Usually no symptoms unless the condition is severe. Following are symptoms of a hypertensive crisis:
Headache.
Drowsiness.
Confusion.
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
Coughing blood.
Severe shortness of breath.
CAUSES
Usually unknown. A small number of cases result from the following:
Chronic kidney disease.
Severe narrowing of the aorta (major artery of the heart).
Tumors of the adrenal gland.
Hardening of the arteries.
RISK FACTORS
Obesity.
Smoking.
Stress.
Diet that is high in salt or saturated fat.
Sedentary lifestyle.
Genetic factors. Hypertension is most common among blacks.
Family history of hypertension, stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure.
Use of contraceptive pills.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCEEssential hypertension (from unknown causes) cannot be prevented at present. If there is a family history of hypertension, obtain frequent blood-pressure checks. If hypertension is detected early, treatment that includes diet, exercise, stress management, and medication can usually prevent complications.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory studies such as blood studies of kidney function, urinalysis, and EKG (See Glossary).
X-rays of the chest and kidneys.
Special studies that may include ultrasonography, CAT or CT scan, MRI, and radionuclide scan (See Glossary for all).
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSStroke; heart attack; congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema; kidney failure; blindness caused by ruptured blood vessels.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
With treatment, complications are preventable (except for possible side effects of drugs). Life expectancy is normal.
Without treatment, life expectancy is reduced because of the likelihood of heart attack or stroke.
TREATMENT
HOME CARE
Consider lifestyle changes for your child to reduce stress. See Appendix 19.
Learn to take your child's blood pressure. Your doctor or nurse can teach you.
MEDICATION
Many anti-hypertensive medications can reduce blood pressure. Your doctor will prescribe the type appropriate for your child. Don't stop giving them without consulting your doctor.
Don't give your child non-prescription cold and sinus remedies. These contain chemicals, such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, that raise blood pressure.
ACTIVITY
Your child should exercise at least 3 times a week. This helps reduce stress and maintain normal body weight; it may lower blood pressure. See Appendix 36.
DIET & FLUIDS
Low-salt diet (See Appendix 29).
Reducing diet if overweight (See Appendix 31).
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?Yes. Your child should try to stay as active as feeling of well-being will allow.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of a hypertensive crisis.
Chest pain occurs.
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