Summary
Summary
This study aims to identify and assess the prevalence of subjects at high risk for hypertension, a common but serious condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. Hypertension increases the risk of severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Many individuals with hypertension have underlying risk factors like obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, excessive alcohol intake, or a family history of high blood pressure.
Intro:
To identify and assess the prevalence of subjects at high risk for hypertension, which is often caused by lifestyle factors, genetic predisposition, and underlying health conditions. Individuals with uncontrolled hypertension are at risk for developing serious complications including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss.
Full details:
For full details on this study, please contact us at (877) 780-4333.
Assessing Hypertension
Assessing hypertension involves evaluating blood pressure levels and identifying potential damage to organs such as the heart, kidneys, and eyes. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it may not cause noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
Description:
Hypertension is a chronic condition where blood pressure remains elevated over time, placing extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. If left untreated, it can lead to cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, vision problems, and cognitive decline. Risk factors include age, obesity, smoking, high salt intake, and genetic predisposition.
Assessment methods:
- Medical history and physical examination: Healthcare providers review the patient’s personal and family medical history, assess lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, exercise, alcohol consumption), and perform a physical exam to check for signs of high blood pressure or related complications.
- Blood pressure measurements: Accurate blood pressure readings are taken at multiple visits to confirm the diagnosis. Blood pressure monitors (sphygmomanometers) measure systolic and diastolic pressure to classify hypertension severity.
- Laboratory tests: Blood tests assess kidney function, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other markers that could contribute to or result from hypertension.
Imaging techniques:
- Echocardiogram: Assesses the impact of hypertension on heart function and structure.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG): Detects signs of heart strain or abnormalities caused by high blood pressure.
- Kidney ultrasound: Evaluates kidney health, as hypertension can cause or result from kidney problems.
Additional Evaluations
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring:
In some cases, 24-hour monitoring is used to confirm hypertension by tracking blood pressure changes throughout a typical day.
Home blood pressure monitoring:
Patients may be asked to monitor their blood pressure at home to help diagnose and manage hypertension outside of the clinical setting.
Risk scoring systems:
Tools such as the Framingham Risk Score or ASCVD Risk Calculator help estimate the risk of cardiovascular events based on blood pressure readings and other factors.
Assessment goals:
Diagnosis:
Confirming the presence of hypertension and determining whether it is primary (essential) or secondary (due to another condition).
Severity:
Classifying blood pressure levels (e.g., Stage 1, Stage 2 hypertension) to guide treatment decisions.
Complication risk:
Identifying patients at higher risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, or other hypertension-related complications.
