Selected Disease Is Hypertension Brochure

Selected Disease Is Hypertension Brochure Should Only B

Develop a patient educational brochure in a trifold format about hypertension, focusing on its pathophysiology, risk factors or symptoms, medications, nutritional considerations, evidence-based diet recommendations, and patient resources. The brochure should be clear, easy to read at an 8th-grade level, include visuals, and be professionally formatted. Support information with recent evidence-based references, and include in-text citations within the brochure. The brochure should be suitable for printing or digital distribution in a healthcare setting.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding Hypertension: A Patient’s Guide to Managing Blood Pressure

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension, commonly called high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is too high. This extra pressure can damage your arteries and organs over time, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Blood pressure readings include two numbers: systolic (pressure when your heart beats) over diastolic (pressure when your heart rests in between beats). A reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher is considered high.

Risk Factors & Symptoms

Although hypertension often has no symptoms, some signs can include headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Risk factors for developing high blood pressure include:

  • Family history of hypertension
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Physical inactivity
  • High salt intake

Medications Commonly Used for Hypertension

Two frequently prescribed medications are:

  1. Lisinopril – a medication that relaxes blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood. It works by blocking a hormone that narrows blood vessels.
  2. Amlodipine – a calcium channel blocker that prevents calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, helping them relax and widen.

Nutritional Considerations for These Medications:

  • Limit foods high in potassium unless advised otherwise, as it can affect how medications work.
  • Avoid excessive intake of alcohol, as it can increase blood pressure and interfere with medication effects.
  • Maintain consistent intake of fluids and electrolytes to prevent side effects like dizziness or cramps.

Dietary Strategies to Reduce Hypertension

An evidence-based diet that helps manage high blood pressure is the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. It emphasizes eating foods rich in nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which support healthy blood pressure levels.

Foods to Include

  • Leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale) – high in potassium, which helps counteract sodium's effects on blood pressure.
  • Berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries) – rich in antioxidants that improve blood vessel function.
  • Low-fat dairy products – good sources of calcium and vitamin D, which support healthy blood pressure.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

  • Salty snacks and processed foods – high in sodium, which raises blood pressure.
  • Red meats and fried foods – often contain unhealthy fats that can contribute to heart disease.
  • Sugar-sweetened beverages – excess sugar can lead to weight gain and increased blood pressure.

Patient Resources

References

  1. Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. (2018). 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 71(19), e127–e248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2017.11.006
  2. Sacks FM, Svetkey LP, Vollmer WM, et al. (2001). Effects on blood pressure of reduced dietary sodium and the DASH dietary pattern. New England Journal of Medicine, 344(1), 3-10. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM200101043440101
  3. Frohlich ED. (2019). Hypertension and Diet: A review of the evidence. Nutrition Reviews, 77(11), 749–757. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuz052
  4. American Heart Association. (2023). What Is High Blood Pressure? Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
  5. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). High Blood Pressure – The Facts. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-pressure

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