Nursing Care Plan In Hypertension

Hypertension is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. High blood pressure typically does not cause symptoms. Long-term high blood pressure, however, is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease, vision loss, chronic kidney disease and dementia.[2] The first line treatment of hypertension is lifestyle modification.[3] If lifestyle modification fails or is not feasible then drug therapy may be considered.[4] In some cases where drug therapy fails or cannot be tolerated then surgery might be required.[5]

Nursing Care Plan In Hypertension

1 Nursing Care Plan In Hypertension

Hypertension is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems. Hypertension may be associated with:

• Coronary artery disease
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Atrial fibrillation
• Peripheral vascular disease (blockage of the blood vessels)
• Vision loss or blindness from swelling in the optic nerve (optic neuropathy)

and chronic kidney disease. The risk for dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease, also increases as you grow older with high blood pressure.

2 Hypertension (HTN or HT), also known as high blood pressure (HBP), is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated.[10][11] High blood pressure typically does not cause symptoms.[1] Long-term high blood pressure, however, is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease, vision loss, chronic kidney disease, and dementia.[2][3][4][12]

High blood pressure (HBP or HT) is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. High blood pressure typically does not cause symptoms.[1] Long-term high blood pressure, however, is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease and other health problems.[2][3][4]

High Blood Pressure

If you are taking medicines that affect your kidney’s ability to remove potassium from your body (ACE inhibitors), then you may need additional medicine.

3 Hypertension is classified as either primary (essential) hypertension or secondary hypertension.[5] About 90–95% of cases are primary hypertension, whereas secondary hypertension makes up around 5–10% of cases.[5][13] Some of the causes of secondary hypertension include: kidney disease, endocrine disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome and hyperaldosteronism, and drugs such as birth control pills and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.[14]

Hypertension is classified as either primary (essential) hypertension or secondary hypertension.[5] About 90–95% of cases are primary hypertension, whereas secondary hypertension makes up around 5–10% of cases.[5][13] Some of the causes of secondary hypertension include: kidney disease, endocrine disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome and hyperaldosteronism, and drugs such as birth control pills and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.[14]

Primary vs Secondary Hypertension

Primary Hypertension = 95% of cases are related to unknown reasons.

Secondary Hypertension = 5-10% due to underlying cause such as Kidney Disease or Diabetes Mellitus.

4 Hypertension may be associated with:

• High blood pressure: The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that more than 70 million Americans have high blood pressure, also called hypertension. If left untreated, hypertension can cause life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke and chronic kidney disease.
• Coronary heart disease (CHD): CHD is a condition that affects the ability of your heart to pump blood effectively through your body. Over time this leads to coronary artery disease (CAD), which causes blockage in one or more of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. This can lead to angina or a heart attack.

5 This post is relevant to nursing students.

Hypertension is a common condition that affects millions of people. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute estimates that one in three adults have high blood pressure. Hypertension can lead to complications such as stroke and heart attacks if left untreated or uncontrolled. Nursing students need to understand the causes of hypertension, its symptoms and treatment options available for this condition in order to provide effective care.

Closing

Nursing is the care of patients and the family members of patients. Nurses are the first line of defense in preventing illness, providing care for those who are ill, and easing pain and suffering. Nursing is also concerned with promoting health and wellness by providing education on healthy lifestyles to patients and their families as well as advocating policies that promote good health conditions