Hypertension Risk Factors
This lifestyle habit of Blessing’s, involving 20 cigarettes per day, significantly increases her risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
What is Smoking?
This is the first-line lifestyle modification recommended for reducing high blood pressure, often combined with medication.
What are diet and exercise changes?
This is the name for the top number in a blood pressure reading, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts.
What is systolic blood pressure?
A family history of this condition, seen in Blessing’s father who died of a heart attack, is a major risk factor for hypertension.
What is heart disease (or cardiovascular disease)?
Nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral support are strategies to help Blessing quit this habit that worsens her hypertension.
What is smoking?
This is the name for the bottom number in a blood pressure reading, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats.
What is diastolic blood pressure?
This term describes high blood pressure with no identifiable cause, accounting for most cases of High Blood Pressure.
What is primary (or essential) hypertension?
This cardiovascular term refers to the long-term damage caused by persistently high blood pressure on organs like the heart, kidneys, and eyes.
What is end-organ damage?
A blood pressure reading is considered hypertensive if the systolic or diastolic values exceed this threshold during a routine check.
What is 140/90 mmHg?
Stress and anxiety, both present in Blessing’s life, contribute to high blood pressure through this stress-response hormone.
What is cortisol?
Reducing this dietary mineral, found in processed foods, is a key strategy for managing hypertension.
What is sodium (or salt)?
This condition occurs when blood pressure falls too low, potentially leading to symptoms like dizziness or fainting.
What is hypotension?
Hypertension, if left untreated, increases the risk of these two major complications involving the brain and heart.
What are stroke and heart attack?
This type of medication, often prescribed for hypertension, works by helping the kidneys remove excess sodium and water.
What are diuretics?
This term describes the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which can indicate cardiovascular health when abnormally high or low.
What is pulse pressure?