Only pack the essentials!!!!

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ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION (PRIMARY HYPERTENSION)

No identifiable cause

Signs and Symptoms

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

Risk Factors

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

Medical Treatment

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

Client Teaching

A. Anti-Hypertensive medications

B. Relaxation techniques

C. Weight reduction