Health
What Are the Causes of High Blood Pressure in Human?
What Are the Causes of High Blood Pressure in Human?
There are several factors that contribute to high blood pressure in human. In this article, we will look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment of HBP.
We will also discuss how to prevent it. Keeping your blood pressure low is the first step in treatment.
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may suggest several treatments. To prevent HBP, keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
In addition to a healthy diet, exercise, and medications, you should also monitor your cholesterol levels.
Factors that contribute to high blood pressure
Various risk factors for high blood pressure in humans include sedentary lifestyles, too much salt and alcohol consumption, and excessive alcohol use.
Inactivity also raises the risk. Stress is also an important risk factor for high blood pressure, but researchers have yet to pinpoint the exact mechanism by which it occurs.
Diabetes and other glandular diseases are also known risk factors, as are birth control pills and pregnancy.
Several genetic and environmental factors may place blood pressure on the right or left side of the distribution curve.
Identifying specific factors that are hypertensinogenic may allow for nonpharmacological treatments for hypertension.
Other genetic factors include obesity, insulin resistance, and alcohol consumption. Other interplay between genetic and environmental risk factors affect the activities of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, cardiac contractility, sodium excretion, and vascular reactivity.
High blood pressure (hypertension) affects one in seven adult Australians. It often goes undetected because most people do not experience symptoms.
But it can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Therefore, it is essential to check your blood pressure regularly to detect it and take measures to control it.
In some cases, hypertension does not have any symptoms, but experts recommend getting blood pressure checked every three to six months, and if you have a family history of the condition, seek medical advice for a diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms
High blood pressure is a common medical condition that results in the overproduction of hormones in the blood, which lead to progressive damage to the organs and blood vessels.
While most people have no signs or symptoms of this condition, the disease can be deadly without proper diagnosis.
This is why it is called “the silent killer” since many people do not realize that they have it until they have it checked by a doctor.
While early signs and symptoms of high blood pressure are generally harmless, if you notice any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.
During your doctor’s visit, your healthcare provider may ask about your family and medical history.
They may also ask about your lifestyle, including caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. Your healthcare provider may also do a physical examination to check your heart rate and listen to your abdominal organs.
During the examination, your healthcare professional may listen for sounds that indicate enlarged aorta or carotid artery and abdominal aortic bruit.
Although most people with HBP do not exhibit any signs or symptoms, the majority of individuals will have a higher blood pressure reading than those without it.
However, even those with normal blood pressure can have symptoms, so it is important to be monitored by a medical professional to avoid more serious consequences.
Although you might not be aware of these symptoms, the condition can be extremely dangerous.
If you suspect you have high blood pressure, it is important to get your doctor’s attention right away.
Treatment
Treating high blood pressure is important, but few people actually manage to keep their blood pressure under control.
While early detection and treatment are important, the condition still affects about half of the population.
In the meantime, lifestyle changes can lower blood pressure and reduce health risks. The first step is to lose excess weight, cut down on salt and increase physical activity.
If lifestyle changes don’t control blood pressure, medications may be prescribed. In the treatment of high blood pressure, doctors often try diuretics.
These medications help the kidneys eliminate water through urine.
Diuretics are the first line of treatment for high blood pressure and come in several different classes, including loop, thiazide, and potassium-sparing.
Diabetics are effective at lowering blood pressure, but their effectiveness can vary greatly based on individual blood pressure measurements.
Some people may require up to four different medications in order to achieve the desired blood pressure levels.
Treatment for high blood pressure depends on a person’s age, gender, and other risk factors.
If the blood pressure is 20/10 points higher than the target, a combination of two drugs may be necessary
Treatment of high blood pressure also includes follow-up care.
Patients on high-blood-pressure drugs should visit their doctor every month until they have achieved their target blood pressure.
In addition to monitoring blood pressure levels, doctors may also order blood tests to check the potassium level, BUN/creatinine level, and kidney function.
Conclusion
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Iowa Reports First Fatal Case of Ebola-like Lassa Fever Following Travel to West Africa
Iowa Reports First Fatal Case of Ebola-like Lassa Fever Following Travel to West Africa
Iowa health officials recently confirmed a fatal case of Lassa fever, an Ebola-like viral disease, in a person who had recently traveled to West Africa.
This incident has raised concerns about Lassa fever’s risks, transmission methods, and potential impacts on public health, especially as it is one of the few recorded cases of this virus in the United States.
This article will provide an in-depth overview of Lassa fever, its origins, symptoms, transmission risks, and the measures people can take to protect themselves and those around them.
Understanding Lassa Fever
What is Lassa Fever?
Lassa fever is a hemorrhagic virus similar in presentation to Ebola, transmitted primarily by contact with food or objects contaminated with infected rodent urine or feces.
This viral disease is common in parts of West Africa, where an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 cases are reported annually. Though many cases go unreported, the virus can cause severe illness and death in severe cases, particularly in patients with underlying health conditions.
Lassa Fever vs. Ebola: What’s the Difference?
Both Lassa fever and Ebola are viral hemorrhagic fevers, but they differ in their method of transmission, symptom severity, and geographical reach.
While Ebola spreads through human-to-human contact, Lassa fever is mainly rodent-borne and spread through direct or indirect exposure to rodents’ excretions.
Ebola outbreaks have historically shown higher fatality rates, but Lassa fever is often underreported, making mortality comparisons challenging.
Origins and Transmission of Lassa Fever
Where Does Lassa Fever Come From?
Lassa fever was first identified in 1969 in Nigeria and has since remained endemic in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria.
The Mastomys rat, or “multimammate rat,” serves as the natural reservoir for the virus and is a common species in West African regions, leading to frequent human contact and possible transmission.
How is Lassa Fever Transmitted?
Transmission occurs mainly through:
- Direct contact with infected rodents’ urine or droppings.
- Ingestion of contaminated food or household items.
- Human-to-human transmission in healthcare settings due to improper hygiene practices or exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals.
The virus does not spread through casual contact, making general public spread less likely unless in close contact with contaminated surfaces or bodily fluids.
Symptoms of Lassa Fever
Early Symptoms
Early symptoms of Lassa fever can be mild, leading to undiagnosed cases or delayed medical attention.
Symptoms typically appear 1-3 weeks after exposure and may include:
- Fever and fatigue
- Sore throat and cough
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Abdominal and chest pain
Severe Symptoms and Complications
As the disease progresses, patients may develop more severe symptoms like:
- Hemorrhaging from gums, eyes, or nose
- Facial swelling and fluid in the lungs
- Seizures and confusion
- Organ failure
While some patients recover within weeks, severe complications can arise, especially in pregnant women and individuals with preexisting health conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
How is Lassa Fever Diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires specialized laboratory testing, as Lassa fever’s early symptoms resemble many other viral illnesses.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) can identify viral RNA and antibodies in blood samples, aiding in accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Antiviral medication, such as ribavirin, has shown promise in reducing symptoms when administered early. Supportive care, including rehydration, oxygen therapy, and blood transfusions, is crucial for severe cases.
However, there is no universally approved vaccine, making prevention through hygiene and rodent control vital.
Preventive Measures for Lassa Fever
Minimizing Contact with Rodents
Effective rodent control is essential in areas where Lassa fever is prevalent. Keeping food in rodent-proof containers, clearing homes of food scraps, and storing waste away from living spaces can minimize exposure to rodent excretions.
Maintaining Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
In hospitals, isolation protocols and rigorous hygiene practices, including the use of gloves, masks, and proper disposal of waste, are critical to prevent transmission from infected individuals to healthcare workers or family members.
Public Health Concerns and Global Impact
Why Should We Be Concerned About Lassa Fever?
While cases outside of West Africa are rare, the recent case in Iowa illustrates the potential for Lassa fever to appear in non-endemic regions.
Increased global travel poses risks, necessitating enhanced screening and awareness, especially for travelers returning from high-risk areas.
The Role of the CDC and WHO
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) play significant roles in monitoring and controlling Lassa fever outbreaks.
Both organizations work closely with local health agencies to provide guidelines, support diagnosis, and enhance preventive measures.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of life due to Lassa fever in Iowa serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of hemorrhagic fevers. Increased awareness, hygiene measures, and public health vigilance are essential to prevent future cases and protect communities.
As international travel grows, so does the need for education on preventing and responding to rare but deadly diseases like Lassa fever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Lassa fever be spread through the air?
No, Lassa fever is not airborne. It spreads through contact with rodent excretions or bodily fluids of an infected person.
2. Is there a vaccine available for Lassa fever?
Currently, there is no FDA-approved vaccine for Lassa fever, though researchers are actively working on developing one.
3. What regions are considered high-risk for Lassa fever?
High-risk regions include West African countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, where the Mastomys rodent is prevalent.
4. What should travelers do to protect themselves from Lassa fever?
Travelers to endemic regions should avoid contact with rodents, keep food secured, and wash hands frequently. It’s wise to stay updated on health advisories from the CDC.
5. How can healthcare facilities prevent Lassa fever spread?
Hospitals can reduce risks by implementing stringent hygiene protocols, using personal protective equipment, and isolating infected patients to prevent cross-contamination.
References :
Health
Understanding Menstrual Allergy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Menstrual Allergy: What You Need to Know
REFERENCE:
https://www.healthwellnessjournal.com/menstrual-allergy-guide
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