Developing High Blood Pressure example essay topic

Christa Wilson Eng 101-01 Definition Essay Hypertension It is the time of progress. The time of supercomputers, space shuttles, and many other marvels of technology. We have walked on the moon. We do our shopping at home via Internet navigation. We cannot only talk with, but we can see the person we are talking to thousands of miles away.

It is mankind's greatest hour. Yet sadly, it is also our time of dying. It's strange that no matter how advanced our society has become, our nation's health will not catch up. Hypertension a cardiovascular disease and often referred to as high blood pressure is referred to as America's silent killer.

This essay will define, state the risk, and provide information on how hypertension is treated. Blood pressure is measured by testing the force needed to stop blood from flowing through the arteries away from the heart. When a blood pressure test is performed, a test will yield two numbers. The first number is known as the systolic which measures the pressure when the heart beats. The second number is known as the diastolic which measures the pressure between heartbeats when the heart is at rest. If the numbers are greater than 140/90, it is considered hypertension.

High blood pressure has no recognizable symptoms and the cause is unknown. If left untreated hypertension can damage important organs of the body: the heart, brain kidneys, and eyes. When blood pressure remains abnormally high for a long time, usually years, the increased force against the walls of the arteries causes them to become thicker and crooked, decreasing the flow of blood to the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Everyone is liable to developing high blood pressure but some are at more risk than others. People with a history of hypertension in their family, obesity, frequent alcohol consumption, high cholesterol intake, diabetes, and smokers are all susceptible to developing high blood pressure. Stress is also known as a contributor to developing hypertension.

It is estimated that one-quarter of Americans are living with high blood pressure. Living with hypertension is not the end of the world. There are many ways to control hypertension. In serious cases, your doctor may prescribe medication, but in other cases the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes. Recommendations may include one or all four of the changes: exercise regularly, eat healthy, control alcohol intake, or stop smoking. Choice of treatment depends on a person's age, race, and medical history.

If left untreated, it can be fatal. In conclusion, many factors contribute to developing high blood pressure. Symptoms aren't recognizable and it often goes unnoticed. It is advised to get your blood pressure checked regularly if you are at risk. Medical experts are constantly developing new treatments and information is readily available.

Controlling hypertension first starts with the patient because it can add years to your life.