Pathophysiology of Hypertension and the Vital Role of Paramedics

High blood pressure, more commonly known within the medical environment as hypertension, is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world. Most people have experienced hypertension, for example, during exercise, as blood pressure rises to meet the load of the body during a workout, people will experience hypertension. Over time, the constant stress that high blood pressure causes on the vessels and organs can result in serious health conditions. Understanding the pathophysiology is important for all medical professionals since it is so common and can be a sign of a more serious disease. Gaining knowledge of the condition will prove tremendously useful in the medical field. In this article, we will explore the pathophysiology of hypertension and the consequences of the condition, as well as delve into the treatment that paramedics will implement in a prehospital environment.

Signs and Symptoms:

To understand the pathophysiology of hypertension, it is first important to understand how to recognise the condition by learning the signs and symptoms a patient may have. Though hypertension can sometimes be perceived as asymptomatic until it becomes serious, the symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, visual changes, and headaches. These symptoms all occur due to the pressure that is being placed on the vessels that pass through all vital organs, which then, over time,e will result in different and more serious conditions. Early detection and management of hypertension are crucial for patient health; thereforemedical professionals must be vigilant of the signs and symptoms that are associated with the disease. The better prepared we are, the better the outcome for the patient will be.

Pathophysiology:

Hypertension involves multiple mechanisms, and through a thorough investigation of the pathophysiology of the disease, it can be better managed. When the vessels narrow, blood flow is restricted. To continue to meet the body's demand for blood, the heart increases in rate and pumps harder to maintain proper perfusion. The consistent pressure being placed on the vessels and arteries can result in damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys, as well as the arteries themselves. The extra workload being placed on the heart can lead to a disease known as left ventricular hypertrophy, which is when the muscle on the left side of the heart thickens, resulting in further complications such as heart failure and arrhythmias. Some of the diseases that can result in the brain from hypertension are hypertensive encephalopathy and strokes. Hypertensive encephalopathy is a condition where the pressure being placed on the vessels in the brainresultst in swelling and inflammation. This disease requires immediate treatment before it results in permanent brain damage. As a result of hypertension in the kidneys, diseases such as proteinuria, a condition where the kidneys leak protein into the urine, can develop, which then leads to kidney disease. Hypertension is also the leading cause of renal disease, a condition where patients require dialysis or implantation due to failure of the kidneys to function properly. In conclusion, a common condition known as hypertension can lead to lesser-known, more serious diseases.

Treatment:

Once a paramedic has gathered enough patient information to discover that the patient is suffering from hypertension, they will then move into patient treatment. In this section, we will go through the basic management of hypertension. Take into consideration what other symptoms the patient is experiencing when treating. If they are experiencing pain or nausea, then consider administering medications for those symptoms, but if the patient is only suffering from hypertension, then focus on that while also watching vitals and communicating to the patient if any other symptoms have developed. If the patient is only suffering from high blood pressure, then the only course of action is to treat with medications. A medication that can be used to lower high blood pressure is GTN (glyceryl trinitrate), a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels. Though treating hypertension is not its primary use, it can be useful. Paramedics play an important role in managing hypertension by administering timely medical intervention to lower blood pressure; patients will have less risk of developing serious complications.

In conclusion, hypertension is a critical disease to learn about; not only is it troublesome itself, but it can also lead to some serious diseases that will negatively alter someone’s life and may even result in death. Understanding the mechanisms of hypertension is crucial for patient survival and management.