Hypertension: Pharmacological and Alternative Therapies

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Background

Hypertension is a severe medical condition in which the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. It is usually defined as high blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg and severe if above 180/120mmHg. It is caused by smoking, overweight, salt in the diet, stress, old age, and genetics. Additionally, some chronic conditions like kidney, diabetes, hormonal balance, and high cholesterol. Such conditions make the patient very vulnerable and in danger since they can cause side effects. Common signs and symptoms are severe headaches, fatigue, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. It can be lowered through regular exercise, consumption of low sodium, limited alcohol and stress, and eating a balanced diet. This paper discusses a pharmacology case study of a patient with a 14-year history of pressure and possible borderline diabetes—other previews on other alternative therapies and critical point questions associated with it.

H.P has various conditions such as stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and high blood pressure putting him at increased risk of cardiovascular complications. LVH suggests s thickened hearts left the pumping chamber, and the heart may not be pumping efficiently. Hypertension and CKD are interconnected such that uncontrolled hypertension can lead to the damaging of the kidney, which further increases the pressure (Ku et al., 2019). High blood pressure control reduces the risks of cardiovascular complications and mortality. Therefore, alternative options are applied to treat the patient considering his pressure goal. Reducing the amount of salt intake in the diet is one of the behaviors to be adopted. Treatment can be done by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretic therapy (Ku et al., 2019). Monitoring pressure at home with automated devices should be used, and patients trained on how to do it. Two readings should be done per day, and the progress monitored. Water pills to be taken to initiate the kidney to make more urine eliminate extra fluid and water.

Additional Info Needed to Treat the Patient

The patient recorded an increase in body weight which is risky. Therefore, weight loss is essential to help him manage his conditions. Weight loss can reduce BP by 5 mm Hg for every 5-kg weight loss. Bariatric surgery may be another option for patients who may find it hard to manage weight (Ku et al., 2019) manually. The renal denervation process is essential, and a measure of eGFRs (>45 mL/min/1.73 mACE 2) indicates a reduction of BP. The availability of concurrent albuminuria (albumin excretion > 300 mg/d) shows risks of CKD (Ku et al., 2019). 50% of patients with CKD are said to be taking two to three different types of drugs; hence an alternative medication can be taken (Ku et al., 2019). Some of the medicines that may be useful are bumetanide, metoprolol, hydralazine, and clonidine.

Desired Treatment Outcomes

Blood pressure reduction to <140/90mmHg is one of the outcomes expected. An improvement in the patient’s diet and regular physical exercise are anticipated. Exercise helps in avoiding extra calories, which are dangerous when they build up in the body (Gardiner et al., 2017). Weight loss may indicate a reduction in CKD since its implication at first was hazardous. A positive reaction to the prescribed drugs is another outcome that is expected. Trying new drugs may be accompanied by severe side effects which are not fit for the patients.

Acupuncture is a system of complementary medicine where needles are inserted in the skin at specific points along the lines of energy used in the treatment of physical and mental conditions. It’s a cleansing and balancing of the whole body as the symptoms pass, and one begins to feel better. During the process, the body is cleansed, and there is the elimination of toxins and poisonous wastes which build up in the bloodstream. Some of the side effects of acupuncture may include fainting, dizziness, bleeding, soreness, and nerve damage.

Work of Acupuncture According to Traditional Chinese Culture

Acupuncture’s oldest texts on Chines medical learning began back over 2000 years ago. Since then, it has developed following the earlier procedures (Kim & Song, 2019). It was commonly practiced in small clinics, and no formal training existed. However, knowledge and skills were transferred through apprenticeship among family members. The CTM has undergone various stages of struggle, foundation, and growth (Shahrajabian et al., 2020). A diversity of medical ingredients was used where the majority of which are plants that are not threatened. Acupuncturists, especially those who follow the traditional Chinese medication, mainly focused on the flow of qi (energy) through the body. They believed that energy disruptions create imbalances in the body’s energy leading to illnesses (Cheung et al., 2021). Needless which touch, acupuncture points are inserted through the body. The body has hundreds of acupoints in the body with 14 major energy carrier channels. The needles stimulate the body’s system to rebalance the body, react to a symptom or illness and release the body’s natural painkillers such as endorphins that control nerve impulses.

The first step followed was making an appointment with the acupuncturist and discussing the condition caused. After that, an examination was conducted to the areas of the body that may react to acupuncture. The tongue, pulse, behavior, and smell are looked into, and the patient might also be asked questions on the type of feeling they experience. Factors such as environmental changes and tragic life events are believed to alter the body’s average balance. The tongue is examined as people are considered to bite the tongue part, representing an unhealthy part of the body. Needles were tapped into acupuncture points into the skin throughout the body. The needles used are tiny and inserted at various depths, and allowed to stay for a few minutes or more than 20 minutes. Later, the acupuncturist manipulates the yang, yang, qi, and blood through various techniques like massage, herbs, and needles (Cheung et al., 2021). The multiple changes in the body are then monitored for any improvement.

Acupuncture in the USA and Illnesses Effectively Treated by the Procedure

In the USA, the commonly used acupuncture is electricity acupuncture (electro-acupuncture). This is due to the advanced technology that combines ancient needling techniques with electricity (Zhu, 2018). This needling can treat many nervous system disorders, including stroke. The primary use of acupuncture is the treatment to restore the normal functioning of the body. Acupuncture treats various illnesses like Parkinson’s Disease in Patients with Depression. It is one of the most common killer diseases around the globe. According to research conducted in PD patients, 61% indicated a decreased depression after acupuncture (Huang et al., 2020). This suggests that it lowers the effects of PD in patients with depression.

Diseases of the muscles, bones, and joints like sprains and headaches. Nervous system illnesses like stroke, anxiety, and other nervous disorders. Acupuncture has evolved as a better method for treating chronic lower back pain (cLBP), which causes discomfort (Yu et al., 2018). The modulation effects of acupuncture are examined and treated. Qualified doctors can prescribe drugs to help ease the pain experienced to lead a comfortable life.

Infertility cases among women and men are also resolved by the acupuncture method. Couples who might find it hard to conceive need to visit a doctor and examine to determine possible problems. The challenge might be the man who may be having poor quality of sperm or a low sperm count. The woman might be affected by infections or cannot produce the female gamete. The disabling of the flow of energy by the stagnancy syndrome impacts semen quality and gynecological diseases, which can be (Zhu et al., 2018). When successfully done, fertility is restored among couples who have failed to conceive. This is due to improving the quality of the sperms and ovaries balancing the endocrine system and hormones.

Dangerous Metals in Traditional Ayurvedic Medications

Ayurvedic medication emphasizes sound health and prevention and treatment of diseases. However, some Ayurveda products contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, aluminum, and arsenic (Mikulski et al., 2017). This is due to the belief that they possess possible healing benefits. Small amounts of lead are believed to calm the stomach. On the other hand, arsenic may also be used to treat some types of body cancers. The greatest menace of lead in the human body is irreversible brain damage. Higher levels can lead to damage of the kidney and nervous systems of both adults and children. Very higher levels can lead to death and unconsciousness.

Aluminum also causes lung problems leading to difficulty in breathing. Nervous systems can be affected, causing difficulty in voluntary and involuntary actions. Brain disorders leading to abnormal behavior in humans and flawed reasoning and memory (Mikulski et al., 2017). The bones become weak, and cancers develop, affecting even the marrow, critical in survival. Inorganic forms of arsenic are highly carcinogenic and cause cancer of the liver, bladder, skin, and lungs. Mercury causes neurological and behavioral disorders, including tremors and memory loss. Lack of sleep occurs and emotional instability where one experiences torture of the mind. Frequents headaches are experienced, which lasts for a longer time.

Yoga Components in the USA

Yoga exercise is used to foster harmony in the environment, mind, and body. The components of yoga are movement, breathing, meditation, and yogic philosophy (Danhauer et al., 2017). Breathing is an essential thing in our daily life. It enables the circulation of oxygen into the body and deoxygenated blood outside the body. Movements include a change in position from one place to another. It helps evade predators and seek protection. From an anatomical perspective, moving different body parts creates extension, flexion, internal and external rotation. Attention on mediation and focus on a particular activity are maintained hence increasing productivity. It helps to keep the mind sharp and relieve stress and anxiety, which strengths the immune system.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a technique that involves the use of auditory and visual feedback to administer involuntary body functions. They include blood pressure, blood flow, and heartbeats. Sensors are connected to various body parts and connected to a device known as electromyography. The body measurements, temperature, heartbeats, muscle tension, blood flow, and skin changes are detected (Roach et al., 2018). It works very effectively when one is in a state of visual realities (Gradl et al., 2018). This refers to being relaxed to avoid worry or fear as they may create a false implication from the readings taken.

Illnesses Treated by Biofeedback

Biofeedback is commonly known to treat illnesses such as coronary artery disease, pediatric migraine, fibromyalgia, stress conditions, low back pain (Haines & Bowles, 2017), anxiety, and migraine. Costs of treating back pain are huge, causing a significant burden to society and individuals or by the government through subsidizing the treatment cost. Approaches such as spinal surgery can also be applied but are expensive (Yu et al., 2018). The risk factors are age and sex, where the older are at high risk of getting the disease. As one ages, the chances of getting sick become elevated due to lower immunity. Men are said to be at a higher risk of the disease compared to men. It can also be historically transmitted through genes from one person to another.

Fibromyalgia is triggered by a stressful event and cases of injuries and illnesses. Common symptoms are dizziness, feeling either too hot or cold, anxiety (Zafar et al., 2018), and depression. Non-pharmacological therapy like physical exercise, aerobic exercise, massage, yoga, and cognitive behavior therapy effectively manage the disease (Mehra et al., 2019). Anxiety and depression among children and adolescents are some of the common psychological problems. Therefore, the biofeedback technique is critical in dealing with such issues (Thabrew et al., 2018). Pediatric migraine is among the top six most disabling diseases in the world (Mollen et al., 2019). Finding possible remedies could positively change social change through increased productivity and participation (Mollen et al., 2019). Biofeedback helps in controlling pain impulses hence controlling the headaches. Parents should be responsible for guiding their children and provide remedies for migraines, such as avoiding stress. This might enable the children to open up and expose their problems, and they can be assisted.

Chiropractic Therapy

Chiropractors are people who treat conditions related to the body structure and aims at relieving pain. Chiropractic is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the side effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system (de Luca et al., 2021). It may lead to conditions like low back pain, tension headaches, and shoulder pain. Was referred by the chiropractor to another healthcare practitioner, whether imaging was ordered or performed, and how payment for the visit was made was recorded. Chiropractors also consider asking the patients questions concerning the type of food eaten. This is to enable them to come out with a better plan on how to handle them. Some actions such as smoking might also be present, so there is a need to consider it. The general lifestyle adopted and possibilities of other conditions or disorders which cannot be noticed by observation.

Differences Between Osteopathic and Chiropractic Therapy

Osteopathic aims to improve health across all the body systems, while chiropractic primarily focuses on the spine, joints, and muscles. Osteopathic is drug-free and non-invasive (Bordoni & Escher, 2021). Whereas in osteopathic, there are drug prescriptions. While assessing the patient, chiropractors rely more on diagnostic equipment like x-rays and MRI scans to examine the current shape of the spine. At the same time, osteopaths use manual techniques like palpation in analyzing the patient.

References

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