Hypertension

Question 1

what is blood pressure?

Answer 1

the pressure on the blood vessel walls exerted by the heart

cardiac output x peripheral resistance

Question 2

what is systolic blood pressure?

Answer 2

left ventricle contracts and expels blood into the aorta, this is the pressure of the heart at work and is called systolic pressure
health 120mmHg

Question 3

what is diastolic blood pressure?

Answer 3

the aortic valve closes to prevent backward blood flow

health 70mmHg

Question 4

how is BP controlled?

Answer 4

by nerves, chemicals and renal factors which regulate and maintain a steady flow of blood around the body and is vital in maintaining organ function

Question 5

factors affecting blood pressure?

Answer 5

age 
diet
weight
race
familial tendencies
lifestyle (smoking)
stress
emotional factors
pregnancy

Question 6

outline classifications of high blood pressure

Answer 6

mild - 140-159/90-99
moderate 160-179/100-109
severe- 180+/110+

Question 7

what are the recommendations for high blood pressure?

Answer 7

maintain BMI 20-25
reduce salt intake <100mmols a day
limit alcohol intake
regular exercise at least 3x weekly
health diet (5 a day)
reduced saturated fat intake

Question 8

what can long term undiagnosed high bp cause?

Answer 8

heart disease, heart failure, renal failure, stroke