Barbara Robb

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 Pressure
  Barbara Robb was a British social reformer and author, best known for her influential role in improving the conditions of psychiatric hospitals and the care of the mentally ill in the United Kingdom during the 20th century. Her campaign led to significant reforms in the mental health system, highlighting the importance of patient rights and the need for compassionate care.

Early Life and Education

The details of Barbara Robb's early life and education are not widely documented. She emerged into public consciousness primarily through her activism and writings on mental health care reform. Her background in social work and personal experiences with the mental health care system fueled her commitment to advocating for change.

Aid for the Elderly in Government Institutions

In 1965, Barbara Robb founded the organization Aid for the Elderly in Government Institutions (AEGIS), after witnessing the poor conditions and treatment of patients, including a close friend, within the UK's psychiatric hospitals. AEGIS aimed to expose and improve the standards of care for the elderly and mentally ill in state-run institutions.

Publication of Sans Everything

Robb's most notable contribution to mental health reform was her book, Sans Everything: A Case to Answer, published in 1967. The book was a damning indictment of the state of Britain's mental hospitals, compiling accounts of neglect, abuse, and inhumanity within the system. Sans Everything was instrumental in raising public awareness and prompting government action.

Impact and Legacy

The publication of Sans Everything led to the formation of a government inquiry into the conditions of psychiatric hospitals. The findings corroborated many of Robb's allegations, resulting in reforms aimed at improving patient care, oversight, and the environment of mental health facilities. Barbara Robb's advocacy work is credited with being a catalyst for the deinstitutionalization movement in the UK and the shift towards more humane and patient-centered approaches in mental health care.

Death and Recognition

Barbara Robb passed away in year, but her legacy endures through the continued emphasis on patient rights and the ongoing reforms in mental health care inspired by her work. She is remembered as a pioneering figure in the field of mental health advocacy.

See Also

• Mental Health Reform
• Deinstitutionalization
• Patient Rights