Hypertension

Question 1

What is hypertension?

Answer 1

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high.

Question 2

What causes hypertension?

Answer 2

Causes include genetic factors, poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress.

Question 3

What are the signs and symptoms of hypertension?

Answer 3

Often asymptomatic, but can cause headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and flushing. Severe hypertension can lead to vision problems and chest pain.

Question 4

What is the radiographic appearance of hypertension?

Answer 4

: While not directly visible, long-term hypertension can lead to hypertensive heart disease, which might be seen as left ventricular hypertrophy on chest X-rays.

Question 4

What imaging modalities are used to diagnose hypertension?

Answer 4

: Blood pressure measurement is key. Echocardiography, chest X-rays, and MRI may be used to assess damage to the heart and blood vessels.

Question 5

What are the complications of hypertension?

Answer 5

Complications include heart attack, stroke, heart failure, aneurysm, chronic kidney disease, and vision loss.