Diagnosis of Hypertension - Essay Example

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) al Affiliation Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Introduction Hypertension, i.e., highblood pressure, is one of the most familiar chronic cardiovascular conditions, affecting over 52 million US citizens and around 1.2 billion people around the world (Nahas, 2008). High blood pressure is basically an excessive blood pressure in the arteries. High blood pressure occurs mainly due to two factors which can be generated separately or in combination. One, when the heart supplies blood with massive force, and second, when the arterioles, i.e., the small blood vessels, become narrow, causing excessive pressure on the wall’s of vessels during the blood flow (Simon & Zieve, 2013). Blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg is considered as a normal blood pressure. But, some medical experts claim 115/75 mm Hg as a more stable blood pressure level (Luehr et al., 2012, p. 15). Prehypertension, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension are three major hypertension stages. Prehypertension consists of a systolic pressure in the range of 120 to 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure in the range of 80 to 89 mm Hg. Stage 1 hypertension and stage 2 hypertension have a systolic pressure in the range of 140 to 159 mm Hg and 160 mm Hg or greater respectively or a diastolic pressure in the range of 90 to 99 mm Hg and 100 mm Hg or greater respectively (Luehr et al., 2012, p. 15). Typical Diagnosis It is not possible to diagnose hypertension on the basis of one blood pressure reading as blood pressure varies several times in a day depending on activities, surroundings, age, and gender. Hence, doctors keep the patient on an observation and check the blood pressure at intervals for several times to diagnose it. Patients are required to avoid smoking, physical exercise, or drinking energetic beverages (especially with caffeine) for at least 30-40 minutes before the blood pressure readings (Simon & Zieve, 2013). As often during the clinical testing, patients are in stress, doctors ask the patients to measure their blood pressure at home too. Usually, doctors recommend the use of specific ambulatory monitoring equipment that measures blood pressure about every 20-30 minutes during the 24-hours period and gives appropriate readings to help the doctors to diagnose the hypertension in patients (Simon & Zieve, 2013). Based on the clinical and home readings of blood pressure at several times a day for period of time and medical history of patient, doctors diagnose the hypertension condition in the patient (Simon & Zieve, 2013). Diagnostic Testing In order to formally diagnose the hypertension, there are various tests which are required to perform. In order to measure the blood pressure, doctors use special equipment known as, sphygmomanometer (Klodas, 2012). In order to identify the causes of hypertension and to diagnose the impact of hypertension on other body organs, health care specialist ask the patients to perform tests such as, blood tests, liquid profile tests for measurement of different types of cholesterol, urine tests, eye tests, CT scanning of the abdomen, and ultrasound test for kidneys (Klodas, 2012). Also, electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram tests are required to perform during the diagnosis of hypertension in order to identify the damage of the blood vessels or heart (Klodas, 2012). Also, doppler ultrasound test is performed to examine the blood flow into the arteries to detect minor vascular diseases, which are common among patients with hypertension condition (Klodas, 2012). Treatments According to the report of the Institute for the Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI), patients with stage 1 hypertension are treated with lifestyle management and/or drug therapy, while patients with stage 2 hypertension are treated with lifestyle management and one or two drug therapies (Luehr et al., 2012, p. 19). Clinical studies claim that the lifestyle modification is as effective as drug theories to treat the hypertension. However, people with the stage 2 hypertension and/or with the medical history of diabetes, smoking, stroke, or cardiovascular diseases are required to follow certain medication to stabilize their blood pressure level. Selection of primary drug therapy is based on the factors such as, race, age, side effects, cost, and patient’s medical history. Calcium channel blockers and diuretics are considered as the effective initial medications for patients of hypertension. ACE inhibitors are proved to be effective for patients with diabetes or heart diseases, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are useful for the patients older than 60 tears (Luehr et al., 2012, p. 19-22). Most of the patients are required to follow more than one drug for the proper treatment of hypertension, while the patients with severe kidney diseases are required to follow 3 or more drugs to obtain required success. In case the drug treatment has been effective, doctors are required to revise or modify the treatment by altering prescribed medication, lifestyle modification, or by adopting complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments (Luehr et al., 2012, p. 23-25). Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Treatments There are various types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment options that can be as effective as traditional treatment methods for hypertension. According to the scientific research and reports, healthy diet consisting green vegetables, fruits, legumes, and grains with avoidance of salty and fatty food, regular physical exercise, and proper stress management methods such as Qigong, Tai Chi, acupuncture, or yoga can be helpful to stabilize the blood pressure level (Nahas, 2008). The herbal therapies such as, stephenia tetrandra (tetrendrine), rauwolfea serpentena (snakeroot), crataigus species (howthorn), and panex notaginseng (ginseng) are often helpful to people with mild hypertension (Klodas, 2012). However, patients are always recommended to consult the doctor before following any herbal therapy as some herbs such as, ephidra (Ma Huong), and yohembine can be harmful for patients with hypertension (Klodas, 2012). Also, dark chocolate, and foods in rich with coenzyme Q10, melatonin, vitamin D can be effective to lower the blood pressure (Nahas, 2008). Therefore, such food can be adopted in the diet as CAM treatment of high blood pressure. Patient Teaching Patients with high blood pressure are required to follow the treatment and management programs regularly to control the blood pressure level. Hypertension can be controlled but can’t cure. Therefore, patients can’t stop ongoing medical treatments, lifestyle management, and other CAM therapies for their life (Living with High Blood Pressure, 2012). Patients should regularly consult with their heath care specialist for proper guidance about medicines and blood pressure monitoring techniques. Patients shouldn’t hesitate to ask their doubts, questions, and report the effects of prescribed drugs on their health. Pregnant women with high blood pressure are required to take extra care as their chronic condition may cause the threat to the heath of both the child and mother. Pregnant women with preeclampsia are required special care and attention (Living with High Blood Pressure, 2012). Overall, it is necessary for the patients of high blood pressure to monitor their blood pressure level regularly and stick with their treatments. Potential Barriers in Treatments High blood pressure can be controlled with effective treatments and its proper implementation. However, in some cases, unique medical conditions or negative response of the patient to treatments can be barrier in the success of treatments. Factors such as, older age, gender, obesity, race, and medical history of chronic kidney diseases, left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes can affect the effectiveness of treatments (Luehr et al., 2012, p. 25-26). Also, lack of proper health care management, negligence of patients towards drug therapy and diet management, illicit drug consumption, alcohol or smoking habits, and stressful environment can possess significant barrier to achieve required targets (Siegel, 2005). Conclusion Hypertension is one of the most prevalent health issues in today’s modern society due to stressful, fast, and work-oriented lifestyles. People are often neglecting the importance of healthy diet and cheering lifestyle, triggering chronic conditions, like hypertension. Hypertension or high blood pressure can be controlled, but it can’t be cured. There are various advanced treatments available for the management of hypertension. Also, CAM treatments are good alternatives to traditional treatments for people with mild high blood pressure. With the proper treatments and healthy diet in combination of dedication and discipline, patients can control their chronic condition and enjoy healthy life. References Backerman, J. (2014, April 23). Tests for High Blood Pressure. WebMD. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/high-blood-pressure-tests Kenny, T., & Rull, G. (2013, December 17). High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). patient.co.uk. Retrieved from http://www.patient.co.uk/health/high-blood-pressure-hypertension Klodas, E. (2012, May 8). Diagnosing High Blood Pressure. WebMD. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/whypertension-diagnosing-high-blood-pressure Living with High Blood Pressure. (2012, August 2). National Health Institute (NIH). Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp/livingwith.html# Luehr, D., Woolley, T., Burke, R., Dohmen, F., Hayes, R., Johnson, M., Kerandi, H., Margolis, K., Marshall, M., O’Connor, P., Pereira, C., Reddy, G., Schlichte, A., & Schoenleber, M. (2012, November). Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment. Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI), pp. 1-68, PDF document. Retrieved from https://www.icsi.org/_asset/wjqy4g/HTN.pdf Nahas, R. (2008, November). Complementary and alternative medicine approaches to blood pressure reduction. PMC. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2592323/ Siegel, D. (2005, March). Barriers to and Strategies for Effective Blood Pressure Control. PMC. Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp/livingwith.html Simon H., & Zieve D. (2013, June 25). High blood pressure. University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrieved from http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/high-blood-pressure Read More