Marine First Aid Level 4 (VTQ)

205 videos, 10 hours and 7 minutes

Course Content

Hypertension

Video 186 of 205
5 min 27 sec
English
English
Want to watch this video? Sign up for the course or enter your email below to watch one free video.

Unlock This Video Now for FREE

This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.

Hypertension: Understanding, Monitoring, and Treatment

The Silent Threat: Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, silently affects millions worldwide, potentially leading to severe health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

The importance of comprehending, monitoring, and controlling hypertension cannot be overstated.

Blood Pressure Metrics

Blood pressure is measured in systolic and diastolic pressures, denoting the force on artery walls during a heartbeat and between heartbeats, respectively. Measurements are recorded in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

Normal and Hypertensive Ranges

As per UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), normal blood pressure ranges from 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, while hypertension is at or above 140/90 mmHg.

Home Monitoring

Routine home monitoring with devices like the Omron Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor and Withings BPM Connect is recommended to manage hypertension effectively.

For accurate readings, measure at the same time daily, after resting for 5 minutes, and avoiding food, caffeine, or smoking 30 minutes before.

Lifestyle Modifications

  • Balanced Diet: Follow the DASH diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Controlled Salt Intake: Limit sodium to ≤6g daily.
  • Regular Exercise: Engage in moderate aerobic exercise for 150 minutes weekly or intensive aerobic exercise for 75 minutes.
  • Weight Management: Maintain a BMI of 18.5-24.9.
  • Limited Alcohol Consumption: Adhere to UK guidelines of ≤14 units weekly.
  • Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases blood pressure and heart disease risk.

Health Risks of Uncontrolled Hypertension

  • Heart Conditions: Heart failure, heart attack, and angina.
  • Stroke: Damage to brain blood vessels leading to stroke.
  • Kidney Disease: Leading cause of kidney failure.
  • Vision Loss: Damage to eye blood vessels leading to vision loss.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease: Reduces blood flow to limbs causing pain and mobility issues.

Medical Intervention

If lifestyle changes are insufficient, medication may be necessary, such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, and ARBs.

Medication should always be prescribed and taken as directed by healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Hypertension, if left unmanaged, can lead to severe health issues. Regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and appropriate medication are crucial for controlling this condition and ensuring a healthy life.