Hypertension Assignment

Biology 11

1. What is blood pressure?

• Blood pressure is the pressure your blood exerts on the walls of your blood vessels as your heart pumps.

2. What 2 physical forces create blood pressure?

• Blood pressure is created by the heart as it forces blood into the arteries and the other force is created by the arteries themselves as they resist the blood flow.

3. What are the 7 things that can affect blood pressure?

• Blood pressure is affected by:• Activity• Rest• Temperature • Diet• Emotional state• Posture• Medications

4. What is the difference between systolic pressure and diastolic pressure?

• Systolic pressure is the top number in blood pressure and it represents the pressure at the peak of each heartbeat.

• Diastolic pressure is the lower number in a blood pressure reading and it represents the pressure when the heart is resting between beats.

5. What is considered a normal blood pressure reading for people 18 and over?

• A normal BP reading is 120 over 80.

6. What is the difference between primary and secondary hypertension?

• In primary hypertension there is no known cause.

• In secondary hypertension the cause of the high blood pressure is known.

7. List 4 things that can cause secondary hypertension?

• Secondary hypertension is normally caused by kidney problems, hormonal disorders, abnormalities of the aorta, or a narrowing of certain small arteries.

8. What is preeclampsia?

• Preeclampsia is high blood pressure in pregnant women.

• It can have severe consequences for the mother and baby.

9. What effect does hypertension have on your heart?

• Hypertension increases the workload of the heart and blood vessels and if it continues for a long period of time the heart and arteries may not continue to work as well as they should.

10. List 6 risk factors that increase when you have hypertension?

• Strokes

• Heart attacks

• Kidney failure

• Loss of vision

• Atherosclerosis

• Severe hypertension can cause headaches, visual changes, dizziness, nosebleeds and nausea.

11. What treatment options are available for people with hypertension?

• In some cases medication may be necessary.

• In other cases it can be managed through lifestyle changes such as weight loss and dietary changes.

12. Summarize some things people can do to help prevent hypertension.

• Maintain normal weight

• Exercise regularly• Eat a healthy,

balanced diet• Avoid smoking• Keep stress levels

low

• Decrease sodium (salt) intake

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol

• Know your blood pressure.