Alfred Werner

Hypertension
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Headache, dizziness, shortness of breath
Complications	Heart disease, stroke, kidney failure
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Long term
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetics, diet, lifestyle
Risks	Obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption
Diagnosis	Blood pressure measurement
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Lifestyle changes, medication
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

Signs and Symptoms

Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms until it has caused significant damage to the heart and arteries. Some people with high blood pressure may experience headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

Causes

The exact cause of hypertension is often unknown, but several factors can contribute to its development, including:

• Genetics
• Unhealthy diet, particularly high salt intake
• Lack of physical activity
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking

Diagnosis

Hypertension is diagnosed by measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer. A reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is generally considered high.

Treatment

Treatment for hypertension typically involves lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes may include:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Reducing salt intake
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Quitting smoking

Medications used to treat hypertension include diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers.

Complications

If left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious health problems, including:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Vision loss

Prevention

Preventing hypertension involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use.

See Also

• Cardiovascular disease
• Blood pressure
• Heart attack

External Links

• World Health Organization: Hypertension
• CDC: High Blood PressureAlfred Werner (12 December 1866 – 15 November 1919) was a Swiss chemist who is best known for his theories on the structure of coordination compounds. His work on the coordination chemistry of transition metals earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1913, making him the first inorganic chemist to win the prize. Werner's contributions laid the foundation for modern inorganic chemistry and had a profound impact on the understanding of chemical bonding and molecular structure.

Early Life and Education

Alfred Werner was born in Mulhouse, Alsace, which was then part of France but is now in France's Alsace region. He showed an early interest in chemistry and conducted experiments at a young age. Werner pursued his higher education in chemistry at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich), where he received his doctorate in 1890.

Career and Research

After completing his doctorate, Werner began his academic career at the University of Zurich, where he spent the majority of his professional life. It was here that he developed his groundbreaking theory of coordination compounds, which was initially met with skepticism by the scientific community.

Werner proposed that metal atoms could have a fixed number of bonds in a complex, regardless of whether the ligands were neutral molecules or ions. This was a significant departure from the prevailing valence theory of the time, which could not adequately explain the structures of many coordination compounds. Werner introduced the concept of coordination number and ligands, suggesting that metal ions could form bonds with a specific number of ligands, arranged in a geometric pattern around the metal ion.

His theory was supported by his meticulous synthesis and characterization of numerous coordination compounds, which demonstrated the existence of isomers - compounds with the same chemical formula but different structures. This provided compelling evidence for the spatial arrangement of ligands around metal centers, validating his coordination theory.

Legacy

Alfred Werner's work revolutionized the field of inorganic chemistry, providing a theoretical framework that explained the structure and behavior of coordination compounds. His theories paved the way for further developments in the field, including the application of coordination chemistry in catalysis, materials science, and biochemistry.

Werner's contributions were recognized internationally, culminating in the award of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1913. His legacy continues to influence the field of chemistry, with his theories remaining a fundamental part of chemical education and research.

Death

Alfred Werner passed away on 15 November 1919 in Zurich, Switzerland. Despite his relatively short life, his impact on the field of chemistry was immense and enduring.