Question

Using information discussed during our lectures thus far, propose 2 physical ways that a human may develop hypertension (abnormally elevated blood pressure). [One of these mechanisms should stem from the blood vessels, and the other at the level of the nervous system). What are the long-term consequences of elevated hypertension?

Answer 1

Answer:

1) Blood vessels = Aneurysm

2) Nervous system = Sleep apnea

Explanation:

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when your blood travels through blood vessels with more force than is considered healthy. When blood pressure is high, it can damage artery and blood vessel walls over time. This leads to dangerous complications and even death if left untreated. There are risk factor both (modifiable and non modifiable) that predispose an individual to hypertension example include; i) Being overweight or obese ii) Too much salt (sodium) in your diet iii) Too little potassium in your diet iv) Not being physically active  v) Drinking too much alcohol.

1) Aneurysm; it is referred to abnormal dilatation of blood vessels, An aneurysm occurs when an artery’s wall weakens and causes an abnormally large bulge. This bulge can rupture and cause internal bleeding. when the force required for blood to flow through the blood vessel become higher than the normal hypertension will occur.

2)Sleep apnea = sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure and maybe triggered by it. Sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. Having obstructive sleep apnea increases your risk of high blood pressure (hypertension).

The long-term consequences of elevated hypertension are chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or a heart attack and sometime eventually death.

Answer 2

Answer:

A abnormally high level of blood pressure for a long period of time can cause arteries especially in and out of heart to harden and thickens (usually these conditions gets worse with age, obesity or high levels of cholesterols). This builds up a resistance in blood flow and ultimately when the blood flow stops, this causes a heart malfunction called as stroke or a heart attack that results in major heart tissue damage. This can also result in other complications like aneurysm etc...