Family history of BP also plays a prominent role in the prevalence of hypertension. In the words of Elliot (2007), "data consistently indicate that BP levels are hereditable." What this means is that studies have clearly demonstrated that an individual's risk of high blood pressure is largely dependent on whether or not there is a history of hypertension in his or her family.
Other contributing factors in this case include but they are not limited to education, diet, alcohol and tobacco use. Individuals who ingest high amounts of sodium effectively decrease or lower the ability of their bodies to retain fluid. This in turn triggers an increase in their blood pressure. It is also important to note that high levels of alcohol intake have been associated with increased risk of blood pressure. For this reason, it makes great sense for individuals to limit their alcohol intake to recommended amounts. It should however be noted that currently, the exact reason as to why heavy drinkers have a higher risk of developing hypertension than moderate drinkers is still unknown (Blonna, Loschiavo, and Watter, 2011). According to the authors, it has been suggested that the damage alcohol occasions to the muscles of an individual's heart could be responsible for hypertension. In regard to education, Elliot (2007) observes that in the past, hypertension has been closely associated with lower levels of education. However, as the author further points out, BP's association with education could "be explained by differences in diet and in BMI between less well educated and better educated individuals." When it comes to tobacco use, Blonna, Loschiavo, and Watter (2011) point out that chemicals present in tobacco have been shown to damage a smoker's artery walls. This according to the authors causes the arteries of a smoker to accumulate significant deposits of fat containing cholesterol plaques. A prominent chemical constituent of tobacco, nicotine as Blonna, Loschiavo, and Watter (2011) point out has also been associated with blood vessel constriction.
In regard to my family, a number of risk factors identified above may be at play. The first risk factor likely to be at play in this case is genetics. As I have already pointed out above, a number of studies have clearly indicated that hypertension tends to run in families. For this reason, given my family's history of hypertension, it is likely that many more members of the family are at high risk of high blood pressure. Next, quite a good number of members of my family are smokers. Smoking as I have also pointed out in the text above increases an individual's likelihood of having hypertension. Although they cannot be categorized as heavy drinkers, a good number of my relatives also take alcohol. Four of those in my family having hypertension are also past the age of 75. Three of these are women. This is largely in consistence with findings to the effect that the risk of hypertension increases with age. It is also important to note that most members of my family are in professions that do not involve much physical activity, i.e. banking and teaching. Perhaps, as a result of their inactivity, quite a good number of my family members could be regarded overweight. As I have already pointed out elsewhere in this text, sedentary lifestyles have been blamed for increased risk of hypertension....
Health History This health history involves the health needs and characteristics of a 23-year-old Caucasian male. Reason for Care The reason this patient is seeking care is multi-fold. He bears all the signs of an intravenous drug user and has an infection in his arm, clearly from injecting substances into his body with unclean needles or in unsanitary manners. The patient demonstrates an extreme shortness of breath, dry mouth, constricted pupils and
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Building a health history with a new patient requires more than active listening and the development of trust and rapport. The intake interview and initial health assessment should be thorough, taking into account the area(s) in which the patient has lived, their workplace environment or work history, their family background and family health history, socioeconomic variables, and any other relevant environmental factors that may impact personal health. Of course, demographic
Family Health Assessment of the Allen Williams Family Nurses are frequently called upon to conduct family health assessments in order to develop wellness and family nursing diagnoses that can be used to improve family relationships and coping skills of family members (Smith, 2001). This paper presents the results of a telephonic family health assessment of the Allen Williams family (not their real name), comprised of Mr. Williams, aged 65 years (retired
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Genogram Project The author of this report has been charged with doing a family assessment project. The largest part of this report shall be the genogram and ecogram. The personal version of these two diagrams as authored and put together by the author of this report are shown in the appendix. There will be some additional supporting and complementary information as well. This will include the Calgary Family Assessment Model (CFAM)
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