Hypertension (HTN) may be regarded as one of the most common cardiovascular system disorders all over the world. “Characterized by a persistent elevation in the arterial pressure,” this medical condition implies the rise of systolic (≥ 130 mm Hg) or diastolic (≥ 80 mm Hg) blood pressure or both of them (Iqbal & Jamal, 2022, para. 1). While the isolated occurrence of HTN does not lead to pathologic changes, prolonged and severe HTN in its chronic phase may cause serious health complications, such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, coronary artery disease, renal failure, hemorrhagic stroke, and even death (Iqbal & Jamal, 2022). Thus, as a competent health care provider who considers the significance of trustful relationships between nurses and patients for more efficient education, I believe that I should pay particular attention to this disease’s risk factors.
While there are multiple factors that may cause HTN, and every patient should be observed in order to identify the potential reasons for this condition, a nurse should provide necessary information related to its prevention. It goes without saying that if HTN is determined by another disease, its appropriate treatment should impact the manifestation of HTN as well. However, there are several factors that relate to a patient’s lifestyle that should be familiar to him for the prevention of HTN. They traditionally include physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption (CDC, 2020). Even in the case of uncontrollable factors, such as age, race, gender, and genetics, a patient’s awareness that allow him to receive health care when necessary help control blood pressure as well. Thus, by paying attention to the risk factors of HTN and its significance for the disorder’s prevention, a health care provider may provide comprehensive education to patients that will improve their health in the future.
References
CDC. (2020). Know your risk for high blood pressure. CDC. Web.
Iqbal, A. M., & Jamal, S. F. (2022). Essential hypertension. National Library of Medicine. Web.