It is important to note that hypertension is a cardiovascular disease that refers to elevated blood pressure. The given analysis will focus on the case of Dr. Ally, who is a 49-year-old professor with several underlying conditions. Due to not taking his medications, the patient experiences a range of issues, which are linked with hypertension, and it is contributing to a left-sided form of congestive heart failure.
The patient’s problems include essential hypertension, fatigue, dyspnea, epistaxis, dizziness, and blurred vision. In his eyes, hypertension can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition called hypertensive retinopathy. This can cause vision changes such as blurriness, floaters, and even blindness (“Hypertension,” n.d.). In his heart, hypertension can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy and increased workload on the heart. This can lead to heart failure, which can cause rales or crackles on chest auscultation, as well as fatigue, dyspnea, and other symptoms. The doctor suggests that the patient might have developed congestive heart failure, but it is likely to be left-sided since it is the most common starting site and causes breathing issues (“Respiratory depression,” n.d.; Chopra et al., 2021). Common antihypertensive drugs that may have been used include diuretics, digitalis, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers. Cardiac glycosides, such as digitalis, “increase the contractibility of the heart muscle, reduce the heart rate” (“Digitalis,” n.d., para. 2). Diuretics work by increasing urine output, which reduces blood volume and pressure.
In conclusion, the patient experiences a range of issues related to hypertension, which is likely to cause left-sided congestive heart failure since it is the most common in the population. It is important to note that Dr. Ally’s condition highlights the importance of regular checkups and adherence to medication regimes. It is essential to keep hypertension under control to prevent long-term complications such as heart failure, kidney disease, and retinal damage.
References
Chopra, H. K., Nanda, N. C., Narula, J., Wander, G. S., Manjunath, C. N., & Chandra, P. (2021). Hypertension: New frontiers — A textbook of cardiology. Jaypee Brothers Medical Pub.
The individual’s health is one of the essential values of the modern world. It guarantees the high quality of people’s lives and their ability to succeed and evolve personally and professionally. Unfortunately, numerous issues affecting the nation’s health have emerged in the last decades. It results in the increased topicality of chronic diseases and their negative impact on life expectancy and quality. For instance, high blood pressure is one of the common conditions affecting millions of people globally. I believe it is an important topic nowadays as many people suffer from it. If left untreated, it might promote multiple cardiovascular diseases and complications. For this reason, it is vital to know the major causes of hypertension, the risks associated with it, and the necessity of its monitoring.
Causes
The correct understanding of factors leading to hypertension is one of the keys to the successful struggle against it. First, some health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, can increase the risk of acquiring high blood pressure and its further development (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). At the same time, individuals should consider that it might develop over time because of a set of factors. The lack of physical activity is one of the leading causes of hypertension (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Moreover, poor dietary habits with the prevalence of unhealthy foods can promote problems with blood vessels and cause increased blood pressure. For this reason, in some cases, individuals can avoid the condition through their actions.
Risks
Another problem is that high blood pressure is associated with numerous health risks. Hypertension negatively affects arteries by making them less elastic (Whelton et al., 2018). It results in decreased blood flow and problematic heart support with oxygen (Whelton et al., 2018). Individuals with prolonged and untreated hypertension might suffer from prolonged pain in the chest, heart attack, and heart failure (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Moreover, high blood pressure is one of the major causes of stroke because of the poor supply of brain cells with oxygen (Whelton et al., 2018). Finally, it can create the basis for the development of chronic kidney disease, especially among patients with diabetes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). In such a way, numerous risks are associated with the discussed problem.
Monitoring
Under these conditions, monitoring blood pressure, especially in patients belonging to risk groups, is critical. First, individuals can use self-measured blood pressure monitoring devices available for everyone (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). They would help to notice undesired changes and address the local hospital. Moreover, it is possible to ask a healthcare professional to measure the current blood pressure and conclude about the presence of risky conditions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Regular monitoring can be viewed as one of the effective ways to determine the first symptoms of severer diseases and avoid heart failure, stroke, or other undesired conditions. It should also be a part of healthy lifestyles to ensure the increased quality of life and its span.
Conclusion
Altogether, the information above shows that high blood pressure is an essential condition that cannot be disregarded. It can be caused by some diseases, or unhealthy behaviors, such as poor dietary habits or lack of physical activities. If left unaddressed, it can create the basis for the emergence of numerous undesired complications, such as heart and kidney disease, heart failure, and stroke. For this reason, I believe people should focus on monitoring this aspect of their health and regularly measure blood pressure. It would help to avoid poor outcomes, preserve the quality of life, and make it longer.
Whelton, P. K., Carey, R. M., Aronow, W. S., Casey, D. E., Jr, Collins, K. J., Dennison Himmelfarb, C., DePalma, S. M., Gidding, S., Jamerson, K. A., Jones, D. W., MacLaughlin, E. J., Muntner, P., Ovbiagele, B., Smith, S. C., Jr, Spencer, C. C., Stafford, R. S., Taler, S. J., Thomas, R. J., Williams, K. A., Sr, Williamson, J. D., … Wright, J. T. (2018). 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: Executive summary: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on clinical practice guidelines. Hypertension, 71(6), 1269–1324.
The patient is a 68-year-old African-American male who is a retired truck driver. He is married and has two adult children who do not reside with him. The patient is admitted to the hospital upon experiencing nausea, dizziness, acute headaches, and chest pain. Mild symptoms were present for the past month, with their severity increasing two days before admission. The consideration of hypertension is reasonable due to the reported symptoms.
As for the present illness’ PQRST, the patient’s pain increased when he stopped taking his blood pressure medicine. The patient reports nausea-causing headaches and occasional sharp chest pain; the severity of pain is 7 on a scale from 1 to 10. The symptoms started about one month prior to hospitalization but severe pain increased two days before admission.
The patient perceives health as a value; being healthy for him means having no pain, physical or mental.
In the past, the patient was treating high blood pressure with Zestril. He had a fall-related injury of a leg in 2003 and was treating obesity through physical exercise and dieting; the patient does not have a history of allergies. The list of vaccinations is as follows:
Chickenpox,
Diptheria,
Hepatitis A,
Hepatitis B,
Covid-19.
The patient’s father was obese and had the cardiovascular disease; he died at an age of 65. The patient’s grandfather had diabetes; his uncle was recently diagnosed with hypertension.
Throughout his health history, the patient has not had issues with respiratory, nervous, reproductive, or endocrine systems. He has experienced trauma of the muscle-skeletal system due to a fall and issues with the cardiovascular system.
The patient did not experience any developmental issues at any of the childhood developmental stages.
The patient’s cultural background influences his prioritization of evidence-based medicine. He has always referred to physicians to seek health care and examination of possible problems. However, he adheres to self-medication and is prone to minimize drug-based treatment.
The patient’s wife stays at home alone while the patient is at the hospital. Their children reside separately in the same city, which is why they will help their parents with grocery shopping and chores if necessary. The family is a middle socio-economic class with proper means to live. The patient is supported by his son, who accompanies him at the hospital, as well as has the support of his wife and daughter.
The patient has access to a community center with available obesity-management and hypertension-management classes. He attends a local church where peers provide each other with continuous support.
Physical Examination
Vital Signs
BP: 135/85
HR:80-90 bmp
RR: 25
Temperature: 98F
Head: Normocephalic, face is symmetrical, no deformations.
Eyes: PEERLA, pupils are 3.8 mm, eyes symmetrical, sclera clear with redness, conjunctiva clear,
Ears: symmetrical, hearing not impaired.
Nose: asymmetric, slightly deformed, moist, no drainage or inflammation.
Throat: no redness.
Neck: thyroid and lymph chains are normal, with no nodes.
Respiratory system: lungs clear, no curvature of the spine.
Neurological system: Patient is alert and responsive, mildly anxious, and speech is clear. Reflexes normal, facial muscles normal, normal sensation.
Gastrointestinal system: abdomen is symmetric, tender on palpation, urination frequency normal, and bowel sounds normal.
Musculoskeletal system: Upper extremities symmetrical, normal joints, lower extremities asymmetrical, left leg has minor bone deformation, muscle strength normal.
Given the patient’s history of experiencing pain associated with hypertension and his neglect of high blood pressure medication intake, it is reasonable to provide him with the necessary learning materials to ensure his awareness about the disease. Dieting and physical exercise are two most important lifestyle adjustments that might minimize the risks of hypertensive crisis. The patient is advised to adhere to healthy dieting and regular exercising to stabilize blood pressure and eliminate risks of comorbidities.
Firstly, it is recommended to learn more about foods to avoid and diet to follow in hypertension. The patient is advised to examine the information in the article by Schwingshackl et al. (2019) to fill this gap in knowledge. Secondly, the patient is recommended to follow a regular physical exercise routine with special attention paid to activities aimed at reducing high blood pressure. The information on these issues will be accessible from the article by Rêgo et al. (2019). Thus, the patient’s learning needs will be supported by cultural appraisal of healthy lifestyles. Using family and community support accompanied by the patient’s mental strength in addressing the issue, he is anticipated to succeed.
Reflection
The interaction with the interviewee was set in a hospital room in the morning in a friendly and trusting manner. The communication was more intuitive in relation to what I had learned since I had to adjust my questions as I learned more about the patient. The patient’s anxiety was a barrier to communication; I was able to establish a supporting relationship to minimize his anxiety; in the future, I will follow the same approach to help the patient calm down. The assessment went as planned, with all information obtained accurately. There were no unanticipated challenges during this assignment; I wish I had more experience in communicating interculturally. In the future, I will ensure to use a person-centered approach in a better way.
References
Rêgo, M. L., Cabral, D. A., Costa, E. C., & Fontes, E. B. (2019). Physical exercise for individuals with hypertension: It is time to emphasize its benefits on the brain and cognition. Clinical Medicine Insights: Cardiology, 13, 1179546819839411.
Schwingshackl, L., Chaimani, A., Schwedhelm, C., Toledo, E., Pünsch, M., Hoffmann, G., & Boeing, H. (2019). Comparative effects of different dietary approaches on blood pressure in hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Critical reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59(16), 2674-2687.
Arterial hypertension (AH) is one of the most widespread chronic disorders among the adults. About 1 billion people around the globe suffer from the disease (Wise & Charchar, 2016). AH does not merely decreases the quality of life but also increases the risks for the development of cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure), leads to disability, and reduces life expectancy.
Stages of AH
Stage I (Prehypertension) – No objective signs of target organ damage. The increase in arterial pressure (AP) is not very high and often is accidentally revealed, e.g., in clinical examination.
Stage II – One or two symptoms of target organ damage occur: left ventricular hypertrophy, narrowing of the retinal vessels, signs of atherosclerotic lesions of large vessels (aorta, carotid, iliac, femoral arteries) (McPhee & Hammer, 2010).
Stage III – characterized by an expanded clinical representation of target organ damage (McPhee & Hammer, 2010):
Retina – retinopathy with hemorrhages in the retina.
Disease Classification
Essential/Primary hypertension.
Symptomatic/Secondary hypertension:
Kidney-related origins – hypertension is mainly caused by the activity of renin-angiotensin system;
Endocrine origins – the disease isprovoked by the elevated level of a particular hormone;
Cardiovascular origins – the disease occurs as a result of insufficiency of the aortic valve, hyperkinetic heart function with an increased ISO, coarctation of the aorta;
Neurogenetic origins – hypertension develops during the cellular damage of the brain structures that participate in the regulation of AP (tumors, inflammation, etc.) (McPhee & Hammer, 2010).
The major reason of secondary hypertension is the primary damage of any organ. Essential AH is “a complex, polygenic condition with no single causative agent” (Wise & Charchar, 2016, p. 1). It occurs under the influence of genetic and environmental factors.
Factors Affecting Pathophysiology of the Disease
High AP – Systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg.
Age and gender – males over 55 years old, and females over 65 years old.
Smoking.
Cholesterol (blood content> 6.5 mmol/L).
Diabetes.
Hereditary predisposition – family history of early cardiovascular disease.
Dyslipidemia – low HDL cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol.
Obesity.
Passive lifestyle (Malekzadeh et al., 2013; McPhee & Hammer, 2010).
Pathogenesis: Sympathetic-Adrenal System
The tone of the sympathetic nervous system is regulated by the centers of the brain, in particular, ventrolateral medulla where a2-adreneric receptors and imidazoline receptors type I and II (I1 – and I2 receptors) are contained. During the stimulation of a2-adrenoreceptors and I1 receptors, the tone of sympathetic system decreases and AP reduces (Hemming & Egan, 2013). The stimulation of I1 receptors also leads to water and sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule of kidney.
Activation of sympathetic-adrenal system plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of AH. At the initial stage of the disorder development, the content of catecholamines in plasma is elevated in most of the patients with the essential AH (Braunwald & Hollenberg, 2013). At the same time, patients with the normal level of catecholamines in the blood usually have the reduced number and sensitivity of a2-adrenoreceptors and the increase in postsynaptic influences of a 2-adreneric receptors that result in the strengthening of vasoconstrictory effects of catecholamines.
Additionally, hypersecretion of renin caused by the increased sympathetic activity, activation of the renin-angiotensin system, as well as the increase in total peripheral vascular resistance, and the volume of circulating blood, contribute to AP rise (Ayada, Toru, & Korkut, 2015).
The increased activity of sympathetic-adrenal system may be related to the central regulation disorder, a high number of angiotensin II receptor antagonists, regular high-calorie diet, stress factors, and sedentary lifestyle.
Pathogenesis: Endothelial Dysfunction
Endothelial cells (ECs) participate in the regulation of vascular tone – they synthesize with many important substances causing vasodilation (Giles, Sander, Nossaman, & Kadowitz, 2012).
The state and function of ECs depend on three major factors:
the bioactive substance contained in blood and produced by ECs themselves (catecholamines, histamine, bradykinin, etc.).
The main vasodilator produced by ECs is Nitric Oxide (NO). Besides, ECs also produce prostacyclin.
NO production can be basal and stimulated. The basal or continuous NO production is critical because it provides an optimal degree of dilation of blood vessels and prevents vasoconstriction.
The major stimulators of NO secretion are bradykinin and acetylcholine. NO synthesis can also be increased by norepinephrine, antidiuretic hormone, histamine, serotonin, thrombin, and endothelin.
NO causes the activation of guanylate cyclase in vascular smooth muscle cells, cyclic guanosine monophosphate growth, the decrease in Ca ++, and vasodilation.
In essential AH, NO production is reduced. It can be related to the reduced level of NO-synthase activity (e.g., patients may have NO-synthase gene polymorphism), with the increase in activity of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, or destructive bradykinin stimulator of NO synthesis (Giles et al., 2012).
Pathogenesis: Target Organ Damage
Hypertrophy of heart (mainly the left ventricle) is a consequence of pressure overload, effects on the myocardium of neuro-humoral factors (catecholamines, AT-II of, aldosterone, etc.), inherited disorders (including hereditary predisposition to essential AH).
Peripheral artery disease implies remodeling of arteries. It proceeds in two stages:
The stage of functional vascular changes defined by vasoconstrictor reactions in response to transmural pressure and neurohormonal stimulation.
Morphological phase which is characterized by structural vascular lumen decrease due to thickening of the medial layer.
Vessels become rigid as the content of the extracellular collagen is increased in them. The major arteries are exposed to atherosclerotic lesions while the small vessels, arterioles, and capillaries, are reduced. Vascular depression with a decrease in blood flow and the development of venous congestion and stasis develops in the tissues (Braunwald & Hollenberg, 2013).
Renal disease – hypertensive nephropathy or hypertensive nephrosclerosis. It takes a few stages of development:
First, there are functional changes in the kidney blood vessels. Increased AP leads to an increase in the ultrafiltration and excretion of excess sodium contributing to the normalization of AP.
The spasm of afferent arterioles gradually leading to their remodeling occurs as the reaction against the high blood pressure in the kidney.
Then, the hypertonicity of afferent vessels develops.
Arteriosclerotic vascular changes, functional overload of the glomeruli and tubules gradually leads to atrophy and diffuse sclerosis of the kidneys (McPhee & Hammer, 2010).
The brain is affected due to remodeling of both large and small vessels.
Diagnosis and Treatment
In every individual case, physicians need to determine:
the steadiness of the pressure rise,
the presence and degree of pathological changes of the internal organs (heart, brain, kidney),
the cause of blood pressure increase.
To do so, several blood pressure measurements are carried out over the period of a few weeks. Laboratory analysis is conducted in order to identify risk factors for other cardiovascular diseases, to establish the degree of target organ damage, and to diagnose possible secondary/symptomatic hypertension.
The treatment measures include various groups of medicines: diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers (Braunwald & Hollenberg, 2013).
Monotherapy is usually prescribed for the patients with AH type I or with a low and medium-level risk. The intake of one type of drug (usually thiazide diuretics and similar medicines) is suitable for the long-term therapy of AH.
The combination of a few types of drugs is recommended for the patients with AH type II and III or with a high risk of complications. The intake of medicines that have different active mechanisms allows the reduction of AP and mitigate the risks of side effects. The combination of indapamide with angiotensin II receptor antagonists increases the effectiveness of treatment and helps to prevent the deficit of potassium. These types of drugs are often used to treat older patients and those who have left ventricular dysfunction.
It is also recommended to reduce the intake of sodium.
References
Ayada, C., Toru, Ü., & Korkut, Y. (2015). The relationship of stress and blood pressure effectors. Hippokratia, 19(2), 99–108.
Braunwald, E., & Hollenberg, N. K. (2013). Atlas of heart diseases Hypertension: mechanisms and therapy. New York, NY: Springer.
Giles, T. D., Sander, G. E., Nossaman, B. D., & Kadowitz, P. J. (2012). Impaired Vasodilation in the Pathogenesis of Hypertension: Focus on Nitric Oxide, Endothelial-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factors, and Prostaglandins. The Journal of Clinical Hypertension,14(4), 198-205. Web.
Hemmings, H. C., & Egan, T. D. (2013). Pharmacology and physiology for anesthesia: foundations and clinical application. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier/Saunders.
Hypertension is a medical condition that affects both adults and young people. The disorder results when an individual’s blood pressure exceeds the expected level of 120/80 mmHg (“Clinical preventive services,” 2022). About half of the American adults live with the illness. Nonetheless, only one in four U.S. adults knows that they suffer from the condition (“Facts about hypertension,” 2021). The present paper discusses the aspects of hypertension current facts and provides interventions that be used to prevent or cure the condition.
Prominent Aspects
Hypertension is a direct cause of many deaths occurring in the U.S. each year. The disease results when the blood pressure in the arteries becomes severe on the vessels’ walls to the point of causing health problems such as heart attack (“Facts about hypertension,” 2021). A standard measure of hypertension uses the amount of blood flowing against the size of arteries. For example, high blood pressure occurs when a patient’s heart pumps blood at a pressure that is beyond the artery walls’ strength. A healthy person’s blood pressure keeps on changing with time. However, the issue raises concerns and thus becomes an illness when the blood pressure in the vessels remains high, demanding medication to regain its normal level (“Facts about hypertension,” 2021). Headaches, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath are non-specific symptoms exhibited by a few people suffering from severe high blood pressure.
Current Statistics Related To Hypertension
Hypertension is a severe health issue in the U.S. and developing economies worldwide. The condition has at least three stages based on its severity. Stage 1 hypertension arises when blood pressure is above 120/80 mmHG, while stage 2 hypertension is blood pressure at or above 140/90 mmHg (“Facts about hypertension,” 2021). High blood pressure-related conditions caused more than five hundred thousand deaths in the U.S. in 2019 (“Facts about hypertension,” 2021). Furthermore, forty-seven percent of American adult citizens have stage 1 hypertension, with only one percent of the infected persons having the ailment under control (“Facts about hypertension,” 2021). High blood pressure prevalence is also common among non-Hispanic whites, Asians, and Hispanic adults (“Clinical preventive services,” 2022). High blood pressure medication usage is high among Hispanic men compared to the other groups.
Health Disparities Related To Hypertension
Hypertension prevalence is never standard across the states in the U.S. The nation’s south-eastern region exhibits higher blood pressure rates than the northern and western sections. The disparity arises mainly from the racial composition, with the non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites dominating the areas with high levels of hypertension (Ogunniyi et al., 2021). Adults operating families with low-income exhibit more hypertension risk than those receiving better pay (Ogunniyi et al., 2021). Other terminal conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and disability also imply an amplified likelihood of hypertension in the U.S. (Ogunniyi et al., 2021). Nonetheless, minority men aged between eighteen and forty-four, with healthy body weight, have lower chances of hypertension even when they lack medical cover (Ogunniyi et al., 2021). The situation implies a meaningful connection between high blood pressure and humans’ lifestyle.
Prevention Strategies
Lifestyle approaches form the best complementary therapies to control and avoid hypertension among Americans. Avoiding substances with high sodium salts, such as processed food products, is recommended to keep the disorder in check. Undertaking adequate physical exercise and regulating alcohol intake also helps the body maintain a healthy weight, preventing high blood pressure risk. Other alternative approaches include following dietary advice and attending clinics for regular health checkups (Kohl-Heckl et al., 2022). Hypertension is a disorder that lacks clear signs, and thus visiting the hospital for routine checks while implementing the other alternative therapies is recommended.
Contemporary Research and Clinical Studies
Hypertension’s severity pushes many medical researchers to investigate the condition to offer better understanding and intervention tactics. For example, Guirguis-Blake et al.’s (2021) findings show that at least two screenings a year helps to reduce severe hypertension cases in a setting by over eighty percent. Moreover, Kitt et al. (2019) determine telemonitoring and A.I. technology as essential technological interventions that can boost high blood pressure management among special groups such as the elderly. The studies play a central role by helping medics and healthcare specialists learn new approaches to averting the costly condition.
An Analysis of the Pathophysiologic Effects of Stress
Stressful moments affect the human body in different ways that can cause other severe conditions. For example, stress leads to the production of vasoconstricting hormones in the heart, which trigger the organ to pump blood faster (Kivimäki & Steptoe, 2018). The hormones also cause the thickening of blood vessels to facilitate more rapid delivery of nutrients and minerals to the body cells for the fight or flight reaction. The rise in blood pressure due to stress significantly implies a connection between the two conditions.
Evidence-Based Stress Management Interventions
Applying stress management tactics is crucial for persons with hypertension to live a healthy life. Physical exercise, yoga, and meditation are evidence-based stress management methods that people can adopt. Physical exercise helps the body utilize the excess energy released by the body in response to stress without causing internal harm. Yoga and meditation further help the braid focus and disregard the hurting situation (Solano, 2018). The tactics help stabilize the heart and ensure that blood pressure remains in healthy conditions.
Conclusion
Hypertension is a natural health problem that affects about half of American adults. The condition results when the heart pumps blood at a higher pressure than normal. The standards blood pressure of a healthy adult is 120/80 mmHg. Any persistent blood pressure reading beyond this level indicates hypertension. A blood pressure reading of 140 mmHg implies severe hypertension. The disorder has no implicit signs and symptoms, making its management tricky.
References
Clinical preventive services. (2022). Web.
Facts about hypertension (2021). Web.
Guirguis-Blake, J. M., Evans, C. V., Webber, E. M., Coppola, E. L., Perdue, L. A., & Weyrich, M. S. (2021). Screening for hypertension in adults: Updated evidence report and systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA, 325(16), 1657-1669. Web.
Kivimäki, M., & Steptoe, A. (2018). Effects of stress on the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Nature Reviews Cardiology, 15(4), 215-229. Web.
Solano, A. L. (2018). Effectiveness of the mindfulness‐based stress reduction program on blood pressure: A systematic review of literature. Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing, 15(5), 344-352. Web.
Hypertension is a common condition that requires intervention as it is associated with multiple risk factors that can hinder one’s well-being. However, the medical issue is to be confronted based on evidence-based practice since the results are more likely to be successful for the patient. Moreover, assisting an individual in combating hypertension correlates with the consideration of ethical aspects that may create a more favorable environment for recovery. Thus, the current intervention plan encompasses physical, cultural, and psychosocial circumstances that can be addressed through evidence-based practices and community resources available for individuals with hypertension.
Healthcare Issues
While hypertension is an individual condition, multiple healthcare issues can lead to its occurrence. Namely, the current intervention plan will focus on three in particular. A lack of physical activity, psychosocial circumstances, and cultural differences are factors that encompass healthcare issues related to the lack of prevention measures adequate for implementation in a diverse demographic. Increasing physical activity is one of the primary evidence-based interventions recommended for patients with hypertension (Amra et al., 2020). Moreover, data suggests that the cultural background of an individual influence how the condition is perceived and treatment adhered to (Meinema et al., 2017). Furthermore, evidence also portrays that the social environment, such as the involvement of the community and family members, is also detrimental to combating high blood pressure (Pirkle et al., 2018). Several community resources can be applied when assisting an individual in aiming toward a healthier lifestyle which, as a result, is to improve blood pressure issues. The priorities that are to be considered are the physical needs, social and psychological implications, and cultural background of the patient.
Physical Activity
Adding physical exercise can significantly improve the life of an individual with hypertension. A resource that can assist the patient in deciding on the type of activity based on the health condition, age, and other characteristics is the Centers for Disease Control. Namely, the resource provides information on evidence-based practices related to the minimization of hypertension risks based on exercise (CDC, 2021). Needless to say, the resource also highlights the importance of additional evidence-based practices (EBPs), such as coordination of medication and self-measuring of blood pressure.
Another resource that can address the issue is highlighting the possibilities correlating with Community Parks. Community Parks are not only excellent ways for people to exercise by walking but also often provide free or low-cost options for community-based sports interventions such as marathons, swimming competitions, and team sports (NPRA, 2022). Another excellent way to address hypertension is through Community Gardens. Such community initiatives provide people with platforms to perform physical activities, form communities, and access fresh produce (ACGA, 2022). Thus, the physical and social needs of individuals with high blood pressure are addressed.
Psychosocial Circumstances
As mentioned prior, psychosocial circumstances, such as family situations, mental health, and social interactions, have a significant implication on the development of hypertension. Thus, addressing high blood pressure can be achieved by combating said factors. For example, 211 is a community resource that helps individuals in need escape poverty by assisting with bill coverage and food provision (United Way, 2022). As poverty is one social factor that correlates with blood pressure complications, secure living conditions and nutritional needs are effective resources that can assist the patient with basic needs. Two factors that also correlate with hypertension are loneliness and mental health problems, such as depression.
Resources that can address said challenges are linked to volunteer work, which gives individuals with hypertension platforms for interactions with like-minded people as well as a greater purpose. For example, research shows that pet ownership is linked to a reduction in high blood pressure (Surma et al., 2022). Thus, volunteering at local shelters can be an effective way of interacting with animals in case health conditions do not facilitate pet ownership. The activity can be pursued through the community resource linking volunteers to shelters within their communities (ASPCA, 2022). However, individuals with hypertension can pursue other volunteer activities based on their health, cultural, and professional traits through other community services such as Volunteer Match (2022). Thus, individuals may choose to enroll in programs assisting people of a certain background or heritage, which addresses both psychosocial and cultural factors. Moreover, the ethical implications of volunteer work are addressed by granting individuals a choice in the specific aims they are willing to pursue.
Cultural Aspects
It was already highlighted earlier that one’s cultural background is essential to consider during hypertension intervention as it may change the perceived treatment. Thus, the health implications are to align with the beliefs and needs of each individual. Several community resources can be accessed to address limitations such as inequalities in accessing healthcare. Two examples are Poverty and Race Research Action Council (PRRAC) and Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS). PRRAC can assist minorities in obtaining equal healthcare resources and access resources that can minimize the risks of hypertension (Poverty & Race Research Action Council, 2022). The cultural background of an individual is considered as the organization specializing in assisting racial minorities. The latter is a community-based program designed to address the physical activity needs of African American patients with high blood pressure (CHAMPS, 2022). It is also essential to consider cultural factors when contributing to the dietary component of the intervention, as inadequate nutrition is also linked to blood pressure complications. A community resource that can address the healthcare limitation is the African Heritage Diet (OldWays, 2022). The organization constructs meal plans based on traditional African cuisine that are both culturally appropriate and healthy.
Health Policy Provisions and Ethical Considerations
The coordinated plan encompassing physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs fits the health policy provisions highlighted in Healthy People 2030. Namely, the policy implies the consideration of the environments people live in since certain factors correlate with health risks (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2022). However, several ethical dilemmas are linked to the implications of such strategies. On the one hand, individuals with hypertension may consider such as approach as biased as their cultural background is considered during interventions. On the other hand, such attributes are to be addressed as the results will lead to a more inclusive treatment. Another ethical consideration is the ability of the care providers to cater to the specific needs of patients with hypertension based on their background. However, the limitation has been minimized by specifying specific resources that specifically cater to the healthcare needs of minorities.
Practical Effects
The changes to the initial plan, while still adhering to the healthcare issues, have illustrated a more coordinated and practical plan with direct community resources. The practical implications of each aspect of the intervention are designed to improve the well-being of patients with high blood pressure. Namely, the physical activity intervention is intended to motivate individuals to practice sports based on their preferences and needs, from walking to team sports and swimming. The psychosocial intervention, on the other hand, will have several positive effects, including motivating people to interact with peers and find a greater purpose, which can address both hypertension and mental health challenges. Last but not least, the effects of the interventions based on cultural needs will create an environment in which healthcare services will be based on patient-centered ideals. Individuals will feel heard and understood, while their health requirements will be met based on their individual beliefs and traits.
Conclusion
The intervention that has been discussed is based on three healthcare issues, namely, the lack of physical exercise, consideration of psychosocial attributes, and adherence to the cultural traits of the patients. The changes that have been made to the initial proposal highlight the addition of evidence-based practices and the inclusion of direct community resources that are to be discussed with the patients and their families. As a result, hypertension is addressed through a multi-level intervention that is centered around both direct and indirect risk factors. The immediate factors, such as the lack of physical activity, are combated through sports initiatives that can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. Indirect factors, such as mental health, social environment, and cultural background, are to be considered for adherence to the treatment and access to resources to be maximized. The proposed intervention can be evaluated as potentially successful due to its ethical, cultural, and evidence-based consideration regarding the health issues addressed in the initiatives.
