A chronic elevation of systolic arterial Blood Pressure in which the systolic pressure is consistently over 140 mmHg and the diastolic is 90 mmHg or higher.

Types:

1. Primary or essential or idiopathic hypertension (unknown cause)
2. Secondary hypertension (identifiable primary disease)

Predisposing Factors:

• Stress
• Family History
• Obesity

Symptoms:

• Blood pressure elevated on at least three different occasions
• Headache
• Blurring of vision
• Epistaxis (nose bleeding), dizziness, tinnitus and flushed face
• Personality change: forgetful, irritable and confused

Management:

• Monitor blood pressure constantly
• Modify lifestyle to reduce stress
• Modify diet - (reduce calories, sodium restricted, increase potassium if needed)
• Exercise regularly in a plan program
• Avoid smoking
• Administer antihypertensive drugs as ordered
• Teach client to notify physician if condition worsen.