Discussion Post Week 7
Several health issues affect women more than men. One of these health issues is Hypertension which affects women who are mostly aged 40 years and above. It is one of the changeable risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, hence a threat to human life. The symptoms of hypertension, including fatigue, chest pain, and dizziness, can be tested through blood tests, cholesterol tests, and urine analysis, and treated through lifestyle change and various medications depending on the age of the patient.
Part 1
Hypertension is a medical condition in which the force of blood pressure against the arteries is higher than normal. Hypertensions shows no symptoms among elderly victims (North American Menopause Society, 2020). However, in younger and middle-aged women, the symptoms include chest pains, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness, fatigue, and palpitations. Diagnostic tests including urinalysis, blood tests, a cholesterol test and an electrocardiogram are recommended. The treatment approaches for hypertension differ with the severity of the illness (Van et al., 2015). Lifestyle change, including low-salt consumption, physical exercise, weight loss, and abstinence from alcohol, are recommended. Medication is recommended if lifestyle changes are ineffective (Schuiling et al., 2017). Most commonly used medication approaches are Calcium channel blockers, Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). These medications have been verified to have lower side effects.
Part 2
For mild hypertension, the use of dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker is recommended for women in the reproductive age. These medications include amlodipine, which has been proven to be safe and can be continuously used even during pregnancy. Additionally, the use of α/β‐blocker combination is safe (Van et al., 2015). While on this medication, the patient is advised to avoid the consumption of grapefruit products as they interfere with heart rate and affect blood pressure.
Hypertension is a health risk factor for many women. It is asymptomatic among older women above the age of 40, but the symptoms are eminent in less old women. Diagnostic tests, including blood tests, urine tests, and cholesterol tests, are commonly used. Lifestyle change is an essential treatment approach, besides medication which is recommended for serious cases. For women in the reproductive age, dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, and α/β‐blocker combination are safe treatments provided the patient avoids the use of grapefruit products.