Hypertension: How is it Classified?

Hypertension is classified into Primary and Secondary; systolic or diastolic, and true systemic.

1. Systolic hypertension: This is common among the elderly especially where there are other disease conditions. The systolic blood pressure is persistently raised above 160mmHg.

2. Diastolic hypertension:In this case the diastolic blood pressure is elevated and sustained, and is severe in most cases. The difference between this and primary hypertension is that there is a noticeable change in the walls and inside of the arteries in diastolic hypertension whereas primary hypertension does not show any such change.

3. True systemic hypertension: In this particular condition both the systolic and diastolic blood pressures are equally elevated and sustained. Note that for one to be said to be hypertensive, his/her blood pressure must be taken repeatedly for at least one to two weeks.

4. Primary hypertension: This accounts for about 85% of known cases. There are no known underlying causes for this to develop. There is a persistent elevation of the diastolic blood pressure above 95mmHg. In most cases it is common within the family hence the general consensus that it is hereditary. Other factors that have been implicated in the development of primary hypertension include obesity, emotional stress, personality variables, etc.

5. Secondary hypertension: This is caused by a disease condition in the system. The pathological changes in the body lead to the surfacing of this condition. Some of the conditions that can lead to secondary hypertension include: Renal (kidney) disease, thyrotoxicosis, Toxaemia of pregnancy, Phaeochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland), Arteriosclerosis, Coarctation of the aorta, Cushing syndrome, Renal artery stenosis and Oral contraceptives.

Joseph Ezie Efoghor is a professional nurse with years of practical experience. He writes on variety of topics which you may find beneficial to you. For more on his write-ups visit http://bloodpressureandmore.blogspot.com

Curing Hypertension through Surgical Operation

The hope of curing hypertension through surgical operation is increasing as the first attempt to reduce and permanently cure a persistently elevated blood pressure was made in Britain recently. All attempts before now seemed to only offer a palliative rather than curative hope for the hypertensive patient. Recently however, a renal surgery was carried out for the first time in Britain which already is yielding a positive result.
The one-hour surgical operation was carried out on one Mr. Anthony Henry and its objective is to attempt to disrupt the signals from the brain that have persistently kept the blood pressure high. Disrupting these signals is hoped to permanently cure the hypertension. The operation which is otherwise known as ‘Renal sympathetic-nerve ablation’ involves inserting a wire into a blood vessel close to the kidneys to burn through the nerves that stimulate high blood pressure.
The patient’s blood pressure is reportedly down only two weeks after the successful surgical operation. The 68 year old retired chef from Stratford already has started to enjoy the benefit this surgical procedure hopes to offer all sufferers of hypertension, and also enjoys the privilege of being the first Briton to undergo this operation.
The benefits of this operation could become apparent within 3 months, and there is the hope that the patient would stop taking anti-hypertensive drugs for life. It is also hoped that this procedure would reduce the blood pressure significantly as well as reduce the stroke mortality by as much as 50%.
In a world where there are millions of people suffering from hypertension this scientific innovation could just be the scientific achievement of the century. We do hope that it truly gives a permanently cure to hypertension and stop the untold hardship patients are suffering in the hands of this seemingly incurable health monster.

What is Hypertensive Crisis and How is it Managed?

Hypertensive crisis is the sudden rise in the blood pressure of the hypertensive patient beyond 250/150mmHg. The onset is usually with little or no warning signs, and it is characterized by severe headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, visual disturbances and disorientation. In some cases these symptoms are accompanied by a cerebral spasm which brings about cerebral ischaemia, oedema, and thrombosis. Hypertensive crisis is such a dangerous medical condition that an immediate medical intervention would be needed to save the patient’s life. It is therefore medical emergency.
Hypertensive crisis is managed through the administration of administration of a vasodilator such as Hydralazine (Apresoline) intravenously to help dilate the blood vessel, and a diuretic e.g. Furosemide (Lasix) intravenously to help to help patient lose excess fluids and sodium.
The patient should be placed on strict bed rest and the vital signs –blood pressure, pulse and respiration monitored every 5-10 minutes. His neurological signs should also be monitored. Patient’s fluid intake and output should also be monitored to determine the level of progress made. The possibility of acute hypotensive reaction is quite high as a result the anti-hypertensive drugs hence patient should be strictly monitored and not allowed to get up suddenly from bed.
Everything medically possible should be done to see that the patient does not suffer any further stress as this is capable of making the patient suffer more complication such as stroke. Therefore, patient should be keep in a quiet environment with visitors restricted to allow for both physical and mental rest and aid speedy recovery. His physical care should be taken care of by the nurses.