Barbara Spofford Morgan

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 Spofford Morgan (1900–1992) was an influential American photographer and photojournalist, renowned for her pioneering work in documenting the American avant-garde of the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in dance photography. Her work significantly contributed to the visual culture of the time and played a crucial role in the development of modern photography.

Early Life and Education

Barbara Spofford Morgan was born in 1900 in Buffalo, New York. From a young age, she exhibited a keen interest in the arts, influenced by her family's appreciation for creativity and expression. Morgan pursued her education in the arts at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she developed a passion for painting and printmaking. It was during her time at university that she began to explore the potential of photography as a medium for artistic expression.

Career

Morgan's career in photography began in the late 1920s, after she moved to New York City, a hub for artists and intellectuals. She quickly became immersed in the city's vibrant cultural scene, connecting with dancers, choreographers, and other artists. Her fascination with movement and expression found a perfect subject in dance, leading her to document the rehearsals and performances of Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and other pioneers of modern dance.

Her photographs of dancers were not mere recordings of performances but were imbued with a sense of energy, emotion, and abstraction that mirrored the avant-garde spirit of the time. Morgan's work was characterized by its dynamic composition, innovative use of light and shadow, and the ability to capture the essence of movement and human emotion.

In addition to her dance photography, Morgan was also known for her photojournalism and portraits of prominent figures of her time, including artists, writers, and intellectuals. Her photographs were published in major magazines and newspapers, bringing her work to a wider audience and establishing her as a significant figure in American photography.

Legacy

Barbara Spofford Morgan's contributions to photography and the visual documentation of the American avant-garde have left a lasting legacy. Her work is celebrated for its artistic and historical significance, offering a unique glimpse into the cultural landscape of the United States during the 1930s and 1940s. Morgan's photographs are held in the collections of major museums and galleries, and her influence continues to be acknowledged by contemporary photographers and artists.

Selected Works

• Martha Graham: Sixteen Dances in Photographs (1941)
• Summer's Children (1951)

See Also

• Photography
• Modern dance
• Martha Graham
• Merce Cunningham
• Photojournalism