Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment of Secondary Hypertension Essay

PubMedHealth described Hypertension (HTN) as "a condition where blood flows through the blood vessels with a force greater than normal." High Blood Pressure (HBP) is also called "the silent killer," and it's quite common in older people. When the doctor measures your blood pressure, the results are given in two numbers. The systolic blood pressure (pressure caused by your heart pushing out blood), and diastolic blood pressure (the pressure when your heart fills with blood). A blood pressure higher than 140 (systolic) over 90 mmHg (diastolic) is considered Hypertension. Moreover, there are many causes of HTN, like primary aldosteronism (a hormone disorder causing an imbalance between potassium and sodium levels), intake of alcohol and use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy, sleep apnea, obesity, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), and hormone therapy for menopause according to MNT. There are many types of Hypertension (HTN), but in this paper I will be talking about Secondary Hypertension.
Signs and Symptoms of Secondary Hypertension identified by PubMedHealth included that it usually "has no signs or symptoms. Rarely, headaches may occur." While, EveryDayHealth identified it by feeling confused or other neurological symptoms, nosebleeds, severe headaches, fatigue, blurred vision, chest pain, and abnormal heartbeat. "These types of symptoms indicate that severe hypertension has been around long enough that the heart, brain, kidneys, or eyes have sustained some type of damage" (EveryDayHealth).
For proper treatments, MayoClinic and MNT state that you want to be diagnosed early, but it doesn't always turn out that way. Try getting regular blood pressure screenings and avoid smoking and overheating to prevent any high blood pressure symptoms. Even lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods, increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. These can help keep your blood pressure low. You may need to continue to take blood pressure medication as well, and if you have any other medical conditions these may affect your doctor's choice of medication. The doctor may also try to put you on the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. It is a flexible and balanced eating plan based on research studies sponsored by the National Institute.
Experts in the field identified the role for the Nursing Assistant (NA) in hypertension care all over the world is first to educate, give advice, and measure the blood pressure if it's in there scope of practice. This education deals with "modifying behavior related to diet, physical activity, weight, stress, smoking, and alcohol intake" (Medscape). Patients with acute or chronic conditions may compromise circulation and place excessive demands on the heart. Observe for signs of heart failure, stroke, medication side effects, skin color, moisture, temperature, extreme fatigue, intolerance for activity, sudden or progressive weight gain, swelling of extremities, progressive shortness of breath, and neurological symptoms. These symptoms may show the increased risk of heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and problems with blood vessels. All of these things need to be reported to the nurse. The NA will listen to their concerns of the loss of health and lifestyle and reassure them when needed.