1. HYPERTENSION ARE YOU AT RISK FOR A HEART ATTACK? STROKE? OR HEART DISEASE? THESE ARE COMLPLICATIONS OF HYPERTENSION LEARN WHAT HYPERTENSION IS AND HOW TO PREVENT IT.

2. Teaching Objectives Explain the prevalence and affects of hypertension in the U.S. Define hypertension. Describe the mechanisms involved in the regulation of blood pressure. Name the risks of Hypertension. Describe the signs & symptoms and complications of hypertension. Define the classifications of hypertension. Describe preventative measures for hypertension. Explain how to monitor blood pressure at home using manual and/or electronic devices. 3. Considerations Hypertension is an important medical and public health issue. It is estimated that 1 billion people Worldwide are affected by hypertension. At least 65 million American adults, or 1 in 3, have high Blood pressure. There is a direct relationship between hypertension and Cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is a proportional risk for heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and renal disease with higher Blood pressure. 4. WHAT IS HYPERTENSION? Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers, for example 120/80 mmHg These numbers represent the pressure against the walls of your blood vessels as the blood moves through them. The top number (or first number) represents the systolic pressure, which occurs when the heart contracts. The bottom number (or second number) represents the diastolic pressure, which occurs when the heart relaxes. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic), typically written as 120/80 mm Hg (read 120 over 80 millimeters of mercury). Hypertension, or High blood pressure is persistent Systolic blood pressure SBP 140 mmHg, and Diastolic blood pressure DBP 90 mmHg. 5. Lets take a step back and learn a little about what happens in our bodies.. The organs and tissue in your body need oxygen to survive. Oxygen is bound to your blood and is delivered( after an exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen in your lungs) to your body by blood vessels. When your heart beats, it creates pressure that pushes blood through your arteries and veins, also known as blood vessels and capillaries. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your blood vessel walls. Your blood pressure must be within a normal range to properly deliver this oxygen rich blood to your organs and tissues in order to survive. 6. Okayso what does this mean? When someone has high blood pressure , this increased force makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body. The increased force puts a strain on both the heart and the blood vessels. If the force of the blood flow is high for some time, eventually the tissue that makes up the walls of the arteries gets stretched beyond its healthy limit. This overstretching of the blood vessels makes them more prone to rupture. Damages to the vessels results in the development of Atherosclerosis ( hardening of the arteries). Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. 7. Who is at risk for Hypertension? Age- Blood pressure rises with increasing age. Alcohol- Excessive alcohol intake is associated with Hypertension Cigarette smoking- Smoking increases your risk for Cardiovascular disease. If you have hypertension & smoke and/or take Oral contraceptives you have a greater risk for Cardiovascular disease and blood clots. Diabetes Mellitus- Hypertension is more common in Diabetics Elevated Cholesterol & Triglycerides- High levels of cholesterol & triglycerides are primary risk factors for atherosclerosis (plaque build up in your blood vessels). Too much salt in your diet- High sodium intake contributes to high blood pressure and causes water retention. Gender- Hypertension is more common in young adulthood men & middle aged men (