The human body is made up of a number of different organ systems, each with their own discrete set of functions, which work both independently and in cooperation with each other to contribute to the...

Hypertension
Hypertension
Introduction
Hypertension is one of the most increasing health challenges of cu
ent century. The pressure of blood exerted on the walls of arteries is called arterial blood pressure or simple blood pressure (BP). Arterial BP is characterised by Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP). SBP is the pressure exerted by blood on the wall of blood vessels at the end of systolic contraction of ventricles and in normal person its value is about 120 mm Hg. DBP is the pressure exerted by blood on the walls of arteries during relaxation of the ventricle. This is the lower limit of arterial BP and in a normal person it is about 80 mm Hg (Normal Blood Pressure Range Adults | Health and Life, 2013). Sustained rise of blood pressure in the arteries above 140/90 mm Hg is called hypertension or high blood pressure.
Symptoms of Hypertension
There are no definite signs and symptoms of hypertension. Thus about one-third of people usually don’t know that they are suffering from hypertension (Healthywomen.org, 2013). Blood pressure can only be diagnosed by regular health check-ups. However, people with very high blood pressure have symptoms like severe headache specifically at the back of head, nausea, fatigue, chest pain, problems in
eathing, blood in the urine, vision problems, and i
egular heart beat.
Pathophysiology
Hypertension leads to hardening of the arteries which is known as atheroma (Familyhealthadviser.com, 2013). It may lead to heart failure, coronary artery disease and strokes. There are two types of Hypertension: Primary or essential hypertension and Secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension accounts for about 95% cases of hypertension (Ca
etero and Oparil, 2000) and there is no exact cause of this but it appears to be the result of genetic and environmental factors. Secondary Hypertension (about 5% cases) is caused by a particular fundamental mechanism which usually includes excretory (kidneys) or endocrine system. Congestive Heart failure or heart attack is one of the immediate consequences of hypertension. High blood pressure can also lead to rupturing of arteries and this condition is called aneurysm. It is a life-threatening disease. High blood pressure can also cause rupturing of the
ain artery. This depletes affected part of the
ain supply of oxygen and nutrients and leads to stroke. The nerve cells of the affected part of
ain are damaged leading to loss of memory or speech, difficulty in hearing, paralysis of body parts and also loss of consciousness. Stroke may also lead to sudden death. Prolonged hypertension can also lead to failure of kidney (Kidney.niddk.nih.gov, 2013).
Arterial Blood Pressure is determined mainly by cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance (Klabunde, 2007). People with high arterial BP can have either high...