Case Study Monitoring On Hypertension
Case Study Monitoring On Hypertension
Participants Names:
Moeed Rashid
Khair Muhammad
Muhammad Ukasha
Ameer Hamza
Usman Chaudhary
Hypertension (HTN), or high blood pressure, remains a major public health challenge
globally, contributing to the onset of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and renal
dysfunction. While pharmacological treatment is critical, the role of lifestyle
modifications, such as dietary changes and exercise, cannot be underestimated in
managing blood pressure effectively. This extended case study elaborates on the
month-long management of a patient with hypertension, emphasizing medication
adherence, lifestyle interventions, and the monitoring process.
Patient Profile:
Objective:
The goal of the study is to assess the effects of both pharmacological treatment and
lifestyle modifications on the patient’s blood pressure over one month, identifying any
potential side effects, and evaluating the patient’s adherence to prescribed
management strategies.
Methods:
1. Blood Pressure Monitoring:
2. Lifestyle Modifications:
• Dietary Adjustments:
• Reduction in sodium intake (less than 2,300 mg/day, with a target of 1,500
mg for optimal health).
• Increased intake of potassium-rich foods (bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes).
• Reduction in processed foods and red meat consumption.
• Introduction of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet.
• Exercise Program:
• Walking 30 minutes daily, gradually increasing to 45 minutes by the end of
the study period.
• Low-impact aerobic exercise, including cycling, was encouraged for variety.
• Weight Management:
• Aimed for a modest weight loss (5-10% of initial body weight).
• A focus on portion control and balanced meals.
• Sleep and Stress Management:
• Encouraged a regular sleep schedule of 7-9 hours per night.
• Incorporation of mindfulness exercises (10 minutes per day), such as
meditation or deep breathing exercises.
3. Medication Adherence:
• Patient was instructed to take medications at the same time every day.
• A pillbox was provided to ensure proper adherence and minimize the risk of
missed doses.
• The patient was educated on the side effects and the importance of
continuous therapy for blood pressure control.
4. Follow-Up Visits:
Results:
Week 1:
• Blood Pressure: Morning: 145/90 mmHg, Evening: 148/92 mmHg.
• Dietary Compliance: Initial difficulty in reducing sodium intake; however,
the patient made an effort to cut back on processed foods.
• Exercise: The patient walked for 20 minutes daily but felt fatigued after the
first few days.
• Medication: The patient took medications as prescribed but forgot one dose
due to a busy schedule.
• Side Effects: Mild dizziness noted in the morning after the first dose of
Lisinopril, which resolved after a few days.
Week 2:
• Blood Pressure: Morning: 140/88 mmHg, Evening: 142/89 mmHg.
• Dietary Compliance: The patient successfully reduced sodium intake by
replacing canned foods with fresh alternatives. The patient also began eating more
leafy greens and fruits.
• Exercise: The patient gradually increased walking to 30 minutes daily.
• Medication: Full adherence, no missed doses. The patient noted improvement
in dizziness, which disappeared after the first week.
• Side Effects: No significant side effects after the first week.
Week 3:
• Blood Pressure: Morning: 135/85 mmHg, Evening: 137/86 mmHg.
• Dietary Compliance: The patient was now fully adhering to the DASH diet,
with the exception of occasional overeating during social events.
• Exercise: Walked 35 minutes daily; began incorporating occasional cycling.
• Medication: Full adherence; the patient was becoming more comfortable
with the medication schedule.
• Side Effects: No dizziness or side effects reported.
Week 4:
• Blood Pressure: Morning: 130/80 mmHg, Evening: 132/82 mmHg.
• Dietary Compliance: Sodium intake consistently under 1,500 mg/day, with a
marked reduction in processed food intake.
• Exercise: 45 minutes of walking daily, with increased energy and improved
stamina. Weight loss of 3 kg (6.6 lbs) was achieved.
• Medication: Full adherence, no adverse effects reported.
• Side Effects: No significant side effects, and the patient felt much more
energized overall.
Discussion:
3. Challenges Encountered:
• The initial transition to a low-sodium diet was challenging for the patient.
Social events and dining out occasionally disrupted the dietary regimen, but the
patient was able to adapt over time.
• Initial fatigue during exercise led to a slower start, but gradual adaptation to
daily walking and an increase in physical activity helped to improve stamina and
overall mood.
1. Long-Term Monitoring:
• Continue monitoring blood pressure monthly, with follow-up visits every 3
months.
• Assess for any new side effects related to the medications and address them
promptly.
2. Lifestyle Maintenance:
• Encourage the patient to maintain the current level of physical activity and
continue adhering to the DASH diet.
• Aim for further weight loss, as a reduction of 5-10% of body weight can
enhance blood pressure control.
4. Mental Health:
• Continue emphasizing stress management techniques and ensuring adequate
sleep, as these factors significantly influence blood pressure.
This case study exemplifies the role of integrated care in managing chronic conditions
like hypertension and stresses the need for patient engagement, education, and
consistent monitoring to achieve optimal outcomes.