Hypertension The Most Common Chronic Disease ( Barranger )

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic disease (Barranger, 2013). Many people are unaware of the fact that they have hypertension because they do not have any symptoms associated with this chronic disease. Hypertension can be a major risk factor for many other chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease. Hypertension is strongly associated with obesity and diabetes. Hypertension caused morbidity and mortality are the highest, occur early and more severe among African American’s (Barranger, 2013). Essential hypertension is the most common type of hypertension (Barranger, 2013). Other types of hypertension include primary, idiopathic hypertension and secondary hypertension (when other causes can be identified) (Barranger, 2013). The pathophysiology of hypertension involves nervous system and/or renal system (Barranger, 2013). Centrally located beta receptors and alpha-2 receptors have effects on the production of norepinephrine. The production of norepinephrine is stimulated and inhibited by these receptors. When norepinephrine production is inhibited, vasodilation effects occur, therefore blood pressure (BP) is reduced. Beta 1 receptor blockers and beta 2 receptor stimulators of the arteries and veins will decrease blood pressure by decreasing cardiac output, peripheral resistance, and causation of vasodilation. Baroreceptors can auto regulate blood pressure in the circulatory system by sending impulse to the brain