Hypertension

What is it?

Hypertension is persistently elevated arterial blood pressure.

• Blood pressure is recorded as systolic/diastolic in mmHg.
• A diagnosis generally requires properly obtained measurements over time.
• Hypertension often causes no noticeable symptoms.

Adult Blood Pressure Categories

Category	Systolic	Diastolic
Normal	Below 120	AND below 80
Elevated	120–129	AND below 80
Stage 1 Hypertension	130–139	OR 80–89
Stage 2 Hypertension	140 or higher	OR 90 or higher

These are classification categories, not automatic CNA reporting thresholds.

How does it work?

Arterial pressure is influenced by:

• Cardiac Output.
• Systemic Vascular Resistance.
• Circulating blood volume.
• Kidney and hormonal regulation.
  Hypertension may involve:
• Increased vascular resistance.
• Abnormal blood-pressure regulation by the kidneys.
• Increased arterial stiffness.
• Genetic, environmental, and other contributing factors.

Primary vs. Secondary Hypertension

• Primary: No single identifiable cause; most common form.
• Secondary: Elevated blood pressure caused by an underlying condition or substance.

Why does it matter clinically?

Long-term hypertension can damage blood vessels and organs.
Possible complications include:

• Stroke.
• Heart attack.
• Heart failure.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Vision problems.

What should I look for?

Common Presentation:

• Often no symptoms.
• Elevated blood pressure readings over time.
  Possible Concerning Symptoms:
• Severe headache.
• Chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Sudden weakness or numbness.
• New visual disturbances.
• Confusion or other acute neurological changes.
  Important: These symptoms can have many causes; they require appropriate evaluation rather than assuming hypertension is responsible.

What should I do?

• Measure blood pressure using the correct technique.
• Compare readings with the resident’s usual baseline and care-plan parameters.
• Report unexpectedly elevated readings according to facility policy.
• Follow instructions to repeat or confirm an unusual reading.
• Recognize and immediately escalate symptoms suggesting an acute medical emergency.
• Support prescribed lifestyle and treatment plans within CNA scope.
  Emergency: Very high blood pressure accompanied by chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, or acute neurological symptoms requires emergency evaluation.

Related

• Blood Pressure
• Measuring Blood Pressure
• Vital Sign Ranges
• Cardiac Output
• Systemic Vascular Resistance
• Hypotension
• Recognizing Patient Distress

Sources

• American Heart Association — High Blood Pressure
• CDC — About High Blood Pressure

Flashcards

Does hypertension usually cause noticeable symptoms?02-mechanisms / diseases-conditions

Answer

Often no; it can be asymptomatic.

What can long-standing hypertension damage?01-foundations / diseases-conditions

Answer

Heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels.