The condition is usually detected in people aged 30 to 50 years; however, it is being found with increasing frequency in children. Hypertension occurs twice as often in blacks as in whites and is more common in women than in men. Hypertension is called “the silent killer” because it often has no symptoms and is not discovered until a serious complication develops. It has been estimated that 50% of those with hypertension do not know they have it, but public education is improving the detection rates for this condition. Complications of hypertension, including damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes, increase after age 50 years. Men, especially black men, suffer serious complications more often than women. Cardiac disease is the leading cause of death in hypertensive people. The Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure defines normal blood pressure as systolic pressure of less than 130 mm Hg and diastolic pressure of less than 85 mm Hg. Patients wi

Prognosis: Prognosis for my patient is fair because hypertension is not the reason he is in the hospital. It is not his most serious disease.

Medical Treatment: The goal of therapy for hypertension is gradually to reduce peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure. Optimal blood pressure is usually defines as a diastolic pressure of less than 85 mm Hg. Treatment of underlying conditions may lower the blood pressure in people with secondary hypertension. For treatment of primary hypertension, a conservative, nonpharmacologic method (without drugs) usually is tried first. Drug treatment may be added if needed. A nonpharmacologic approach includes weight reduction, smoking cessation, sodium restriction, exercise, relaxation techniques, and restricted alcohol intake. Reduction of weight to an optimal level can reduce blood pressure by reducing the workload of the heart. Stopping smoking can eliminate the vasoconstriction caused by nicotine. Reduction of sodium in the body reduces water retention, thereby decreasing the circulating blood volume. A planned program of exercise improves cardiac efficiency by increasing cardiac output and decreasing peripheral vascular resistance. Exercise also decreases the patient’s blood glucose and cholesterol levels and promotes a sense of well-being. Isotonic exercises such as walking, bicycling, and swimming help to reduce weight and promote relaxation. Relaxation therapy, biofeedback, and behavior modification techniques also may be used to reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Alcohol intake should not exceed 2 ounces per day because alcohol can increase blood pre

Some topics in this essay:
Hg Treatment, Diagnosis Diagnosis, Description Hypertension, Hg Patients, Nursing Intervention, Prognosis Prognosis, Signs Symptoms, Medical Treatment, blood pressure, Blood Pressure, mm hg, lower blood pressure, drug therapy, lower blood, 85 mm hg, systolic pressure, heart kidneys, vascular resistance, peripheral vascular, pressure elevations, pressure 85 mm, diastolic pressure 85, peripheral vascular resistance, blood vessels,