Hypertension Case

Abstract

In this paper I will be discussing the systematic, cellular, and molecular levels of hypertension as well as current and future treatments for this disease. I will do a brief overview of the disease and it causes then I will go more in detail with a select few types of hypertension and types of treatments. The types of hypertension that I will be discussing are sodium-induced hypertension and hypertension caused by atherosclerosis. The treatments I will be discussing are beta-blockers and calcium channel blocker. The mechanism for nitric oxide will also be discussed and this can be synthesized by the body or taking as a form of treatment. Lastly I will discuss a new treatment for hypertension that involves the use of gene therapy on cells that are hyperactive.

Definition:

Hypertension is the term used to describe high blood pressure. Blood pressure is a measurement of the force against the walls of your arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body (Pubmed).

Blood Pressure= Cardiac Output x Peripheral Resistance (Kumar)

Blood pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and usually given as two numbers, for example, 120 over 80 (written as 120/80 mmHg). One or both of these numbers can be too high. The top number is your systolic pressure. It is considered high if it is over 140 most of the time. It is considered normal if it is below 120 most of the time. The bottom number is your diastolic pressure. It is considered high if it is over 90 most of the time. It is considered normal if it is below 80 most of the time. Pre-hypertension may be considered when your: Top number (systolic blood pressure) is between 120 and 139 most of the time, or Bottom number (diastolic blood pressure) is between 80 and 89 most of the time. If you have pre-hypertension, you are more likely to develop high blood pressure (Pubmed).

Overview of Hypertension:

Many factors can affect blood pressure, including how much water and salt you have in your body, the condition of your kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels, and/or the levels of different body hormones. You are more likely to be told your blood pressure is too high as you get older because your blood vessels become stiffer as you age. When that happens, your blood pressure goes up. High blood pressure increases your chance of having a stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and early death. You have a higher risk of high blood pressure if you are African American, obese, often stressed or anxious, eat too much salt in your diet, have a family history of high blood pressure, have diabetes, or smoke. Most of the time, no cause is identified and this is called essential hypertension (Pubmed).

High blood pressure that is caused by another medical condition or medication is called secondary hypertension.