Hypertension Case Study

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Hypertension Vicki is a 42-year-old African American woman who was diagnosed with Hypertension a month ago. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for the past 20 years. She is self-employed and runs a successful insurance agency. Her work requires frequent travel and Vicki often has to eat at fast food restaurants for most of her meals. A poor diet that is high in salt and fat and low in nutrients for the body and stress from her job are contributing factors of Vicki’s diagnosis of hypertension. This paper will discuss the diagnostic testing, Complementary and Alternative Medicine treatments, the prognosis for hypertension, appropriate treatment for Vicki, patient education, and potential barriers to therapy that Vicki may experience. …show more content…

Blood pressure is measured by two pressures; the systolic and diastolic. The systolic pressure, the top number, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts. The diastolic pressure, the bottom number, measures the pressure between heartbeats. A normal blood pressure is when the systolic pressure is less than 120mmHg and Diastolic pressure is less than 80mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when the systolic pressure is greater than 140mmHg and the diastolic pressure is greater than 90mmHg. The physician may also ask about medical history, family history, life style habits, and medication use that could also contribute to hypertension …show more content…

In some studies, CAM approaches have shown potential for controlling hypertension, but more research needs to be done to show the safety and effectiveness. Some herbs and supplements show evidence of lowering blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, some nuts and vegetables, and supplements. Research shows that they can decrease triglycerides (the major form of fat stored in the body), slow the buildup of fatty deposits inside arteries, decrease the risk of abnormal heartbeats, and lower blood pressure slightly (Hirsch). Coenzyme-Q10 is produced by the body and is also available in supplements, there is good scientific evidence that coenzyme Q-10 does lower blood pressure (Hirsch). Furthermore, Garlic contains sulfur that has a positive effect on cholesterol levels, which could lower blood pressure levels. Cocoa products and dark chocolate are rich in antioxidants. A study shows that when people with high blood pressure consumed cocoa twice daily for two weeks, it improved the ability of artery walls to relax but did not lower blood pressure significantly (Hirsch). A patient who is taking alternative medicines needs to let their physician know because some herbs and supplements will interact with other medication. Relaxation techniques help relax the body and reduce stress, which could help with blood pressure.

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