Running head: Hypertension

Hypertension
Princess Johnson July 27, 2012

Hypertension “Did you know that one out of every five Americans have hypertension [ (Ignatavicius, Copyright 2010) ]?” It is more Prevalent in African Americans than any other race. Furthermore, it’s not uncommon in the older adult as well. Researchers are unsure why this is but know there are combination of factors such as genetics and the environment. “The National High Blood Pressure Education Program Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure defines hypertension as a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg, or higher taking drugs to control blood pressure [ (Ignatavicius, Copyright 2010) ].”
“There are many factors that can affect blood pressure, including: * How much water and salt you have in your body * The condition of your kidneys, nervous system or bold vessels * The levels of different body hormones [ (Ignatavicius, Copyright 2010) ]”
“Furthermore, you have a higher risk of high blood pressure if you: * Are African American * Are obese * Are often stressed or anxious * Eat too much salt in your diet * Have diabetes * Smoke [ (Moulton, 2009) ]”
Current issues going on with Hypertension is whether to treat mild hypertension with anti hypertensive drugs. “Doctors once were hesitated to prescribe medication until a patient’s blood pressure reached 160/100 [ (Moulton, 2009) ].” Anything below that level was considered mild hypertension and considered dangerous. Many doctors worried that the drug’s potential side effects might outweigh the benefits. “Research has firmly established the value of treating stage 1 hypertension (140/90 to 159/99) with drugs if necessary [ (Moulton, 2009) ].”
In addition doctors can choose from a variety of antihypertensive medications including many preparations that combine one or more drugs. “They can also have individualize treatments that carter to one patient and often prescribe a medication that control blood pressure, produces few or no side effects and protects against complications [ (Moulton, 2009) ]”. Common medications include diuretics, beta blockers cardioselective, calcium channel blockers, and ace inhibitors. Diuretics such as Diuril, Lasix and Aldactone help the kidneys eliminate sodium and water from the body. They are also the oldest and least expensive blood pressure medication.
Beta Blockers such as Atenolol, Metoptolol and Nebivolol prevents the neurotransmitter from activating hearts cells, which in return causes the heart rate to slow and blood pressure to fall. Moreover, Calcium-Channels such as Norvasc, Cardizem Plendil slows the movement of calcium into the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This weakens heart muscle contractions and dilates blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. Lastly, ACE inhibitors such as Benazepril, Captopril, Enlapril, Lisinopril reduce blood pressure by preventing the kidneys from retaining sodium and water by deactivating angiotensin-converting enzyme, which converts inactivate