If left unmanaged, hypertension can lead to severe health complications. These include critical cardiovascular events such as a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. Additionally, it can cause damage to other organs, potentially resulting in kidney failure and blindness.

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Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a significant cardiovascular disorder and a major risk factor for heart disease. This condition increases the physical strain on the heart by forcing it to pump blood more forcefully. A dangerous aspect of hypertension is that it often presents with no symptoms, leading to its description as the 'silent killer,' as individuals may be unaware they have the condition.

Hypertension

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

- We have come up with some prognostic factors to predict the severity of COVID-19 among hypertensive patients. 
- Medical profiles of 598 COVID-19 cases were analyzed. Patients were divided into two comparative groups according to their positive or negative history of hypertension. Then, epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory and radiological features and also clinical outcomes were compared.
- 176 (29.4%) patients had underlying hypertension. Diabetes was significantly higher in hypertensive group 
- In COVID-19 patients with hypertension, severe/critical types were significantly higher.
- Body mass index > 25, age over 60, increased hospitalization period, type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease were related with progression of COVID-19.
- Hypertensive patients with Age > 60-year-old, BMI > 25 Kg/m2, CVD, diabetes and chronic kidney disease are associated with poor outcomes in those with COVID-19 infection.

Should all patients with hypertension be worried about developing severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Sleep hygiene habits can be influenced by other family members and are often mimicked. Depending on the functionality of the family dynamic, poor habits promoted within the household can increase risk for hypertension, especially in youth.

Family Dynamics in Sleep Health and Hypertension

Consequences of Unchecked Hypertension

A wide range of stressors are linked to the development of hypertension. These include chronic life stressors such as persistent job strain, marital conflict, natural disasters, and exposure to high levels of traffic noise at home. Perceived discrimination has also been identified as a significant factor, particularly among African Americans. Furthermore, acute stress induced in laboratory settings—through tasks like timed mental arithmetic, the cold pressor test (immersing a hand in ice water), mirror tracing, and public speaking—has been demonstrated to cause temporary elevations in blood pressure.

Stress-Related Risk Factors for Hypertension

Read the following scenario and evaluate the individual's situation. Based on the information provided, what is the most significant potential health condition that may be going undetected, and why is it particularly dangerous in this case?

Assessing Unseen Health Risks

Based on the information provided in the scenario below, what is the most significant, often asymptomatic, cardiovascular disorder this individual is likely facing, and why is their self-reported feeling of being 'fine' a critical part of the danger associated with this condition?

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