Republic of the Philippines

COLLEGE OF NURSING
Bicol University
Legazpi, City

Case Study:
Geriatric
Assessment
Submitted by:
Jessa Dyan S. Sambitan

Submitted to:
Prof. Janet Recierdo
Name of Patient: Bella A. Saminal
Age: 70 years old
Sex: F
Civil Status: Widowed
Address: #660 Calle Onse Ponso, Polangui Albay
Case: Hypertension

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when your blood pressure increases to unhealthy
levels. Your blood pressure measurement takes into account how quickly blood is passing
through your veins and the amount of resistance the blood meets while it’s pumping.

Narrow arteries increase resistance. The narrower your arteries are, the higher your blood
pressure will be. Over the long term, increased pressure can cause health issues, including heart
disease.

Hypertension is quite common. In fact, 75 million Americans are living with the condition.
Hypertension may develop over the course of several years. During those years, you may not
notice any symptoms. Even without symptoms, high blood pressure can cause damage to your
arteries and blood vessels.

Early detection is important. Regular blood pressure readings can help you and your doctor
notice any changes. If your blood pressure is elevated, your doctor may check your blood
pressure over a few weeks to see if the number stays elevated or falls back to normal levels.

Treatment for hypertension includes both prescription medication and healthy lifestyle changes.
If the condition isn’t treated, it could lead to health issues, including heart attack and stroke.
What causes high blood pressure?
There are two types of hypertension. Each type has a different cause.
Primary hypertension
Primary hypertension is also called essential hypertension. This kind of hypertension develops
over time with no identifiable cause.
Researchers are still unclear what mechanisms cause blood pressure to slowly increase. A
combination of factors may play a role. These factors include:
Genes: Some people are genetically predisposed to hypertension. This may be from gene
mutations or genetic abnormalities inherited from your parents.
Physical changes: If something in your body malfunctions, you may begin experiencing issues
throughout your body. High blood pressure may be one of those issues.
For example, it’s thought that changes in your kidney function may upset the body’s natural
balance of salts and fluid. This change may cause your body’s blood pressure to increase.
Environment: Over time, unhealthy lifestyle choices like lack of physical activity and poor diet
can take their toll on your body. Lifestyle choices can lead to weight problems. Being
overweight or obese can increase your risk for hypertension.
Secondary hypertension
Secondary hypertension often occurs quickly and can become more severe than primary
hypertension. Several conditions that may cause secondary hypertension include:
 kidney disease
 obstructive sleep apnea
 congenital heart defects
 problems with your thyroid
 side effects of medications
 use of illegal drugs
 alcohol abuse or chronic use
 adrenal gland problems
 certain endocrine tumors