Hypertension Flashcards
what is blood pressure?
the pressure on the blood vessel walls exerted by the heart
cardiac output x peripheral resistance
what is systolic blood pressure?
left ventricle contracts and expels blood into the aorta, this is the pressure of the heart at work and is called systolic pressure
health 120mmHg
what is diastolic blood pressure?
the aortic valve closes to prevent backward blood flow
health 70mmHg
how is BP controlled?
by nerves, chemicals and renal factors which regulate and maintain a steady flow of blood around the body and is vital in maintaining organ function
factors affecting blood pressure?
age diet weight race familial tendencies lifestyle (smoking) stress emotional factors pregnancy
outline classifications of high blood pressure
mild - 140-159/90-99
moderate 160-179/100-109
severe- 180+/110+
what are the recommendations for high blood pressure?
maintain BMI 20-25 reduce salt intake <100mmols a day limit alcohol intake regular exercise at least 3x weekly health diet (5 a day) reduced saturated fat intake
what can long term undiagnosed high bp cause?
heart disease, heart failure, renal failure, stroke