Chronic Diseases and Comorbid Conditions: Hypertension

Question 1

What are some of the risk factors for developing essential hypertension?

Answer 1

• Genetics
• Environmental factors
• Age
• Body Mass (especially body fat)
• Excessive sodium intake
• Increased alcohol consumption
• Physical inactivity

Question 2

Omega 3 fatty acids will increase, decrease, or have no change to blood pressure?

Answer 2

No change.

Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to lower triglyceride levels which may decrease total cholesterol.

Question 3

What do vasodilators do?

Answer 3

Vasodilators increase the blood vessel diameter.

This makes blood pressure decrease because there is more space for the blood to move through.

Question 4

The DASH diet has reported a drop in systolic blood pressure by _____ and a drop in diastolic pressure by ______.

Answer 4

11.4mmHg (systolic)

5.5mmHg (diastolic)

Question 5

What kinds of exercises or activities should be avoided in hypertensive clients?

Answer 5

• Valsalva maneuver (holding breath while lifting weight)
• Isometric exercises (such as a plank or wall sit)
• Over gripping

Question 6

What populations have a higher risk for hypertension?

Answer 6

• 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.

Question 7

What effect will diuretics have on the body?

Answer 7

Diuretics 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.

Question 8

Doctors will diagnose hypertension when a patients blood pressure is above _____ / _____.

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

A blood pressure reading of ____ is considered normal.

Answer 9

Below 120/80

Question 10

True or False

A majority of hypertensive clients can be treated with lifestyle modifications.

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

What are some common lifestyle modifications that can help manage hypertension?

Answer 11

• Weight reduction
• Adopting a DASH diet
• Dietary sodium reduction
• Physical activity
• Moderation of alcohol

Question 12

True or False

Health coaches can diagnose hypertension.

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Define

Primary Hypertension

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Blood pressure of 125/80 would be classified as what category of blood pressure?

Answer 14

Elevated Blood Pressure.

Elevated blood pressure is diagnosed by a systolic reading between 120-129 and/or a diastolic reading greater than 80.

Question 15

A blood pressure of 138/74 would be classified as what category of blood pressure?

Answer 15

Stage 1 Hypertension

Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic reading between 130-139 and/or a diastolic reading between 80-89.

Question 16

The top number of blood pressure is termed _____.

Answer 16

Systolic Blood Pressure

Systolic blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure in arteries when the heart is contracted.

Question 17

True or False

Genetic predisposition is the most important predictor of hypertension.

Answer 17

False.

While there is a genetic component, behavioral factors such as a sedentary lifestyle are more important.

Question 18

What kind of mindful activities have been shown to decrease blood pressure?

Answer 18

• Yoga
• Tai Chi
• Meditation
• Breathing exercises

Question 19

What is the formula to calculate blood pressure?

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Hypertension affects 1 out of every ___ adults in the US.

Answer 20

1 out of 3

Question 21

How many minutes should individuals with hypertension exercise?

Answer 21

At least 150 per week (30 minutes, 5 days per week)

Question 22

True or False

A single exercise session can lower blood pressure during the post-exercise period.

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

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?

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

On average, if lifestyle modifications cannot lower blood pressure after ____ months, the individual will be put on medication.

Answer 24

Six months.

Question 25

How do you calculate cardiac output?

Answer 25

Cardiac output = heart rate x stroke volume

Heart rate refers to how many times the heart beats per minute. Stroke volume is the amount of blood that is pumped with each beat.

Question 26

Stage 1 and Stage 2 hypertension can cause damage to several organs. What are the most common organs that are damaged first?

Answer 26

• Heart
• Brain
• Eyes
• Kidney

Question 27

Sodium will increase, decrease, or have no change on blood pressure?

Answer 27

Increase.

Question 28

What nutrients may cause hypertension if a person does not have adequate amounts?

Answer 28

• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium

Question 29

What percentage of Americans with obesity have been diagnosed with hypertension?

Answer 29

33.30%

One-third of people with obesity are diagnosed with hypertension. For each 5 unit increment on BMI, there is a 49% chance greater risk for developing hypertension. Furthermore, obesity-related hypertension is the most common form of hypertension in children and obese women are more at risk than obese men.