Effects Of Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a disease by which the force of the arteries raises the blood pressure in the body. The continuous elevation of the high blood pressure will ultimately lead to major health issues. Boedthjer & Aalkjaer (2013) states, "frequently described causes for hypertension involve changes in the kidneys, the resistance vasculature, and the autonomic nervous system" (p.1). Blood pressure is assessed by the strength of blood that depresses against the vessel walls. Consequently, an increase in an individual 's blood pressure will tighten the arteries and cause the heart to pump more blood. Hypertension is viewed as a critical condition because it places a lot of effort on the heart to pump blood to the body. According to Mastalerz-Migasthoug, & Kilis-Pstrusinska (2015), "hypertension (HT) is known as one of the most significant risk factors of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases" (p. 1). It is an effortless task to examine blood pressure. While examining the blood pressure, two numbers will be displayed.

are about 1.5-2.0 greater in African Americans than the white population” (p.165). Hypertension is a multifactorial disease by which there are several aspects that causes hypertension. According to Ferdinand & Saunders (2006), "causal factors have been identified in African Americans as obesity, physical inactivity, excess alcohol intake, excess dietary sodium, and inadequate dietary intake of potassium, fruits, and vegetables" (p. 23). Other factors that will cause hypertension in African Americans include race, age, gender, stress, family history of hypertension, socioeconomic status, and lack of awareness about hypertension. There is no definite cause as of hypertension; however, African Americans have several contributors that will lead to hypertension. As a result, many of these factors may lead to vital health