NURS FPX 8045 Assessment 2 Summarize a Passage

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Capella university

NURS-FPX 8045 Doctoral Writing and Professional Practice

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Summarizing a Passage

Pulmonary Hypertension: A Comprehensive Overview

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition marked by increased blood pressure within the arteries that transport blood between the heart and the lungs. It is linked to a wide array of complications affecting both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems (Brown et al., 2011). This article offers an extensive review of pulmonary hypertension, discussing its definition, underlying causes, clinical symptoms, patterns of occurrence, and recommended preventive strategies, based on insights from the study by Brown et al. (2011).

Definition and Clinical Presentation

According to Brown et al. (2011), pulmonary hypertension involves abnormally high pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This excessive pressure may result in the narrowing of these vessels, which disrupts the normal flow of blood from the heart to the lungs, thereby limiting the lungs’ capacity to receive adequate oxygen (Brown et al., 2011). This process can progressively impair pulmonary and cardiovascular function if left unaddressed.

Associated Conditions and Contributing Risk Factors

Pulmonary hypertension is not an isolated illness but often co-occurs with other systemic diseases. Brown et al. (2011) explain that this condition may be present alongside heart, lung, or kidney disorders. It can either be inherited or triggered by factors such as connective tissue diseases, coronary artery conditions, or liver diseases like cirrhosis (Brown et al., 2011). Additionally, certain populations are more susceptible to developing pulmonary hypertension, particularly women, individuals identifying as Black, and people aged 75 years or older (Brown et al., 2011).

Symptoms and Early Detection

Recognizing the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension early is crucial for managing the disease effectively. The primary indicators include shortness of breath, episodes of dizziness, and chest discomfort (Brown et al., 2011). Despite these telltale signs, Brown et al. (2011) note that delayed diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension remains a common issue, highlighting the critical need for greater awareness and improved early detection practices.

Preventive Strategies and Management Approaches

While not all cases of pulmonary hypertension can be prevented, managing high blood pressure serves as a practical preventative approach. Brown et al. (2011) recommend maintaining optimal blood pressure levels as a protective measure. Although a permanent cure for pulmonary hypertension is still unavailable, various treatment modalities can alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression (Brown et al., 2011).

Conclusion:

In summary, pulmonary hypertension represents a considerable health risk to both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The findings by Brown et al. (2011) emphasize the significance of preventive action, particularly through lifestyle modifications such as reducing tobacco use and substance abuse. Increased public and clinical awareness, along with proactive recognition and preventive health strategies, can help mitigate the incidence and burden of pulmonary hypertension.