INTRODUCTION:

A blood pressure that is persistently above normal is called hypertension. This is the
widespread problem of elevated blood hydrostatic pressure (BHP) in the systemic arterial
system- or in laymans term n high blood pressure. Use of the term systemic hypertension
has a value of differentiating this condition from others where abnormally high BHP is confined
to the vessels of the lung (pulmonary hypertension) or to those of the hepatic portal system
(portal hypertension). Once context is established, the simpler term hypertension is used. It is
usually asymptomatic and is often a contributing factor to myocardial infarctions (heart attacks).

-Essential Hypertension
Etiology in hypertension is a problem around which much discussion and research is
centered. In 90-95% of cases, no specific cause can be identified. This is the condition known as
primary or essential hypertension. it is widely held as a result of some defect in the complex
control mechanisms that have a bearing on systemic blood pressure maintenance.

-Secondary Hypertension
In 5 -10% of hypertensives, hypertension is secondary; that is some other specific
disorder can be identified as a cause of the elevated blood pressure. In most cases, the focus of
the problem is the kidney or excessive levels of various hormones. In cases where disease or the
renal parenchyma is established, hypertension may be the result of the kidneys failure to excrete
sodium and water, to produce more of, or to activate some unknown vasoconstrictor substance,
or to secrete enough of a vasodilator. It may also that damage to the renal tissue reduces blood
flow to the nephrons and activates the rennin angiotensin system (RAS).

Activation of the RAS is the principal mechanism underlying a second type of kidneyrelated hypertension called renovascular hypertension. it occurs when an intact functional kidney
is supplied by a disease and stenotic renal artery. The reduce renal blood flow that result triggers
increase rennin secretion, and hypertension follow.

Category

Systolic
(top number)

Diastolic
(bottom number)

Normal

Less than 120

&

Less than 80

Prehypertension

120-134

or

80-89

HPN

Stage 1

140-159

or

90-99

Stage 2

160 or above

or

100 or above

Frequency/Incidence:
According to the doctors from the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH), Some 13
million of Filipinos are suffering from hypertension but only half of them know about the illness.
Hypertension can lead to various illnesses but it is oftentimes ignored or unnoticed. Only less
than 10% of hypertension cases are adequately treated or controlled.

Signs and Symptoms:

Most people who have high blood pressure do not know they have it because they have no
symptoms. Occasionally, some people may have a mild headache when their blood pressure is
high. Advanced cases of hypertension may produce the following symptoms:

Severe headache

Confusion

Nausea

Visual disturbances

Seizure

Risk Factors:
The following factors increase an individual's risk for high blood pressure:

Being overweight

Not getting enough exercise

Having a family history of hypertension

Abusing alcohol or smoking

High sodium (salt) intake

Stress

Chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or high cholesterol.

Preventive Care:
Studies suggest that the following actions can help prevent hypertension:
-Maintaining a proper weight
According to several large-scale, population-based studies, being overweight is one of the
strongest predictors that you will develop high blood pressure. That is true for adolescents and
young adults as well as adults. Maintaining a proper weight is one of the most effective things
you can do to prevent hypertension. If you are overweight, ask your doctor or nutritionist about
safely losing pounds by eating a balanced diet.
-Reducing salt intake
Although how each person responds to salt in the diet varies, cutting back on salt can help lower
blood pressure for some. The current recommended amount of sodium for healthy people is no
more than 2,400 mg per day, and less is better. Most Americans get much more than that from
canned, processed, and restaurant foods.

-Increasing physical activity

Several studies suggest that sedentary people may be at higher risk for developing hypertension.
According to some studies, men who lead physically active lives can reduce their risk of
developing hypertension by 35 - 70 %. Regular exercise also helps keep your weight in check.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise -- such as walking -- every day.
-Limiting alcohol consumption
Studies suggest that people who consume three or more alcoholic beverages per day increase
their risk for developing hypertension. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake to one drink per
day if you are a woman and two if you are a man.
-Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Most American eat diets that are too high in saturated fat and lack the right amount of fruits and
vegetables. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which recommends
fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy, is often suggested for those who have
hypertension. It also can help people who are at risk of hypertension.
Treatment:
The goal in treating hypertension is to reduce the risk of serious complications, including heart
disease and stroke, by getting blood pressure under control. Ideally that means reducing blood
pressure to 120/80 mm Hg, but even a partial lowering of blood pressure brings benefits. You
may need prescription medications to treat hypertension, but lifestyle changes -- including diet,
exercise, and relaxation - are also necessary.
Often, in the early stages of hypertension when blood pressure elevation is mild, your doctor
may recommend lifestyle modifications alone for 6 - 12 months. After this time, if blood
pressure is still high, you will probably need medication.