Chronic Diseases and Comorbid Conditions: Hypertension Flashcards
Upon completion of this deck, the learner will be able to list the diagnostic criteria for the different levels of high blood pressure, identify risk factors for essential hypertension, understand the role of exercises and dietary components in the prevention and treatment of hypertension, and discuss how stress management can help a client manage their blood pressure. (29 cards)
What are some of the risk factors for developing essential hypertension?
- Genetics
- Environmental factors
- Age
- Body Mass (especially body fat)
- Excessive sodium intake
- Increased alcohol consumption
- Physical inactivity
Omega 3 fatty acids will increase, decrease, or have no change to blood pressure?
No change.
Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to lower triglyceride levels which may decrease total cholesterol.
What do vasodilators do?
Vasodilators increase the blood vessel diameter.
This makes blood pressure decrease because there is more space for the blood to move through.
Fill in the blanks:
The DASH diet has reported a drop in systolic blood pressure by _____ and a drop in diastolic pressure by _____.
11.4mmHg (systolic)
5.5mmHg (diastolic)
What kinds of exercises or activities should be avoided in hypertensive clients?
- Valsalva maneuver (holding breath while lifting weight)
- Isometric exercises (such as a plank or wall sit)
- Over gripping
What populations have a higher risk for hypertension?
- Conditions associated with unhealthy lifestyles
- Older aged adults
- African Americans
According to the text, “populations with a high prevalence of hypertension include persons with unhealthy lifestyles, obesity, CVD, and type 2 diabetes, as well as older adults and African Americans” (American Council on Exercise, 2019).
American Council on Exercise. (2019). Hypertension. In The professional’s guide to health and wellness coaching (p. 347). San Diego, CA: American Council on Exercise.
What effect will diuretics have on the body?
They will decrease the volume of blood, therefore, lowering blood pressure.
It is important that people on a diuretic hydrate properly as they are at an increased risk for dehydration.
Fill in the blank:
Doctors will diagnose hypertension when a patients blood pressure is above ____/____.
130 / 80
Hypertension used to be diagnosed at readings of 140 / 90 but has since been revised. If hypertension is suspected, a doctor will either place the person on medication (if the blood pressure is too high) or will recommend serial blood pressure readings several times a day for several days to see overall blood pressure before confirming a diagnosis.
Fill in the blank:
A blood pressure reading of ______ is considered normal.
Below 120/80
True or False:
A majority of hypertensive clients can be treated with lifestyle modifications.
True
A majority of hypertension cases can be treated with lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management. If hypertension continues with changes, medication will be the next step.
What are some common lifestyle modifications that can help manage hypertension?
- Weight reduction
- Adopting a DASH diet
- Dietary sodium reduction
- Physical activity
- Moderation of alcohol
True or False:
Health coaches can diagnose hypertension.
False
Only doctors are allowed to diagnose conditions. A health coach can recommend their client go and meet with their primary care provider due to consistently elevated blood pressure readings and can help a client with behavior modification following a diagnosis.
Define:
Primary Hypertension
Hypertension that has no known cause.
90-95% of hypertension is classified as primary hypertension. Primary hypertension is also known as essential hypertension. The remaining 5-10% of hypertension, termed secondary hypertension, is hypertension that is caused by another chronic disease.
Blood pressure of 125/80 would be classified as what category of blood pressure?
Elevated Blood Pressure
Elevated blood pressure is diagnosed by a systolic reading between 120-129 and/or a diastolic reading greater than 80.
A blood pressure of 138/74 would be classified as what category of blood pressure?
Stage 1 Hypertension
Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic reading between 130-139 and/or a diastolic reading between 80-89.
Fill in the blank:
The top number of blood pressure is termed _______.
Systolic Blood Pressure
Systolic blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure in arteries when the heart is contracted.
True or False:
Genetic predisposition is the most important predictor of hypertension.
False
While there is a genetic component, behavioral factors such as a sedentary lifestyle are more important.
What kind of mindful activities have been shown to decrease blood pressure?
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Meditation
- Breathing exercises
What is the formula to calculate blood pressure?
Blood pressure = cardiac output x total peripheral resistance.
Cardiac output is the amount of blood pumped out of the heart in one minute. Total peripheral resistance is the resistance to blood flow that the vessels provide.
Fill in the blank:
Hypertension affects 1 out of every ____ adults in the US.
3
How many minutes should individuals with hypertension exercise?
At least 150 per week (30 minutes, 5 days per week).
True or False:
A single exercise session can lower blood pressure during the post-exercise period.
True
On average, blood pressure will drop from 5-15mmHg and can last for up to 22 hours. This is related to a decrease in total peripheral resistance that is not compensated for by an increase in cardiac output. This effect is strongest after aerobic exercise but is also documented after resistance training.
It is your first time meeting with a new client who has no known medical conditions. After reviewing the paperwork, you take measurements and notice that the client’s blood pressure is 145/85. What should you do?
Wait a few minutes and recheck blood pressure.
Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day. A blood pressure reading that is elevated could be caused by stress, anxiety, or activity. In this case, it is best to wait a few minutes and recheck blood pressure again after the client has had time to rest. In the event that blood pressure remains the same, referral to a primary care physician may be needed.
Fill in the blank:
On average, if lifestyle modifications cannot lower blood pressure after ____ months, the individual will be put on medication.
Six
