Only pack the essentials!!!!

ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION (PRIMARY HYPERTENSION)

No identifiable cause

A. HTN is routinely asymptomatic

1. Current guidelines define hypertension as BP > 140/90

2. Determined after 3 separate measurements on 3 separate occasions

B. Clients may not seek medical attention until symptoms appear associated with acute end-organ damage from their hypertension:

1. Encephalopathy

2. Acute renal failure

3. Retinal changes/visual loss cardiac ischemia

Age, Ethnicity (African American), Obesity (particularly abdominal obesity), Sedentary life style, Smoking, Stress, Family history, Hyperlipidemia, and Alcohol abuse

A. Lifestyle modifications

1. Weight loss

2. Exercise

3. DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)

4. Stress reduction

B. Smoking cessation

C. Reduction in alcohol consumption

A. Anti-Hypertensive medications

B. Relaxation techniques

C. Weight reduction