Hypertension (HTN)

What Is Hypertension

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

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

Stage 1 HTN >140/90 but <160/100

Stage 2 HTN >160/100

What Causes HTN

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

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

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

Based on the
average of 2+
seated BP
measurements at
the MDs office
Must be averaged
Must be seated BP
measurements
Must be in the
MDs office

Complications Related to
HTN

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

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

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

Lewis, S. L., Heitkemper, M. M.,

Dirksen, S. R., OBrien, P. G., &
Bucher, L. (2007). Medical-Srugical
Nursing: Assessment and
Management of Clinical Problems.
Missouri: Mosby.