Pathophysiology Case Study free essay sample

African-American man with primary hypertension and diabetes mellitus. He is currently taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and following a salt-restricted weight loss diet. He is about 30 pounds over his ideal weight. At his clinic visit his blood pressure is noted to be 135/96. His heart rate is 70 beats/min. He has no complaints. His wife brought a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope with her in the hope of learning to take her husband’s blood pressure at home. What risk factors for primary hypertension are evident from K. H. ’s history and physical data? Primary hypertension can be linked to several risk factors, some in which are evident in K. H. ’s history and physical data. The first risk factor evident is KH’s diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus poses as a threat and a risk factor to hypertension because the disease directly affects the blood vessels and arteries by hardening the arteries and potentially causing atherosclerosis, therefore raising blood pressure. We will write a custom essay sample on Pathophysiology Case Study or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Other risk factors in KH’s history are his age and race. It has been seen that African Americans are at highest risk for primary hypertension than other races. Additionally, as age increases, the risk for hypertension does so as well. These risk factors are non-modifiable, and unfortunately are independent risk factors for KH (Copstead and Banasik). However, KH is also slightly overweight which is a modifiable risk factor and can be eliminated as a risk factor if the weight is lost. KH should continue to follow his low sodium diet plan to help with some of the weight loss and also to help lessen his hypersensitivity as sodium may lead to high blood pressure due to water retention (Mayo Clinic). There are other risk factors associated with hypertension and rising blood pressure and it is important to find out if any of them are also evident in KH. One of these risk factors includes KH’s activity level. It is important for KH to stay physically active because inactive people are usually associated with having higher heart rates. The higher the heart rate, the harder the heart must work which puts a greater amount of pressure on the arteries leading to hypertension. Physical exercise can also help the weight loss process, in turn lowering high blood pressure. Excessive smoking and drinking also leads to hypertension due to hardening of the arteries. Family history and high stress levels should also be determined if present in KH as they play a large role in hypertension as well (Mayo Clinic). What is the rationale for treating K. H. with an ACE inhibitor? What is the mechanism of action? ACE inhibitors are important and useful in the medication and treatment for KH due to their effectiveness in treating hypertension. ACE inhibitors will help treat KH by slowing the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II is produced by the body that can cause vasoconstriction of the blood vessels. Angiotensin II is made from Angiotensin I by the ACE. If the production of Angiotensin II is slowed by the ACE inhibitor, the blood vessels will be able to dilate, and blood pressure is able to be lowered (Copstead and Banasik). Thus, it is important for KH to stay on the ACE inhibitors due to his blood pressure readings. KH’s blood pressure is 135/96. His systolic blood pressure is in the pre-hypertensive range, however, his diastolic blood pressure is in the hypertensive range and therefore, his blood pressure is hypertensive. Since his blood pressure is high, it is important for KH to remain taking the ACE inhibitors. If KH was not on the ACE inhibitors, there is a significant chance that his blood pressure would actually be higher and more hypertensive than it is currently. His heart rate is 70 bpm, which is a normal heart rate (Copstead and Banasik), so it can be shown that the ACE inhibitor is probably helping his condition.