Pathophysiology Synthesis of Shadow Health Patient: Hypertension and Diabetes

HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES2 Pathophysiology Synthesis of Shadow Health Patient: Hypertension and Diabetes Shadow Health Patient: Arun Patel Pathophysiology This Shadow Health patient, Arun Patel, presents with hypertension and Type II diabetes. Hypertension, where blood pressures measure over 140/90 mm Hg, is a cause of morbidity and mortality due to the effects high blood pressure has on organs. The pathophysiology of hypertension relates to blood pressure. Blood pressure relies on blood volume in the body, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance—if any of these three factors are increased, blood pressure rises. Having chronically high blood pressure impacts blood vessels such as those in the kidneys, impacting their ability to filter fluids and waste. Type II diabetes occurs when the body is resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. The hormone insulin is responsible for moving blood glucose into cells. Without it, blood glucose levels rise and damage vessels in the kidneys, eyes, delay healing and lead to heart disease and other consequences. Common Medications & Interactions For treating hypertension, there are several first line medications available. One example is hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic to decrease blood volume by blocking the reabsorption of sodium, decreasing fluid reabsorption. By reducing blood volume, there is less blood to pump, and pressure drops. Another common medication is Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker that decreases systemic vascular resistance by blocking calcium channels on arterial smooth muscle to decrease vasoconstriction and prom