Elizabeth Hughes Gossett

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
  Elizabeth Hughes Gossett (August 19, 1907 – April 21, 1981) was one of the first American patients treated with insulin for Type 1 diabetes, and a prominent figure in the history of diabetes treatment. The daughter of Charles Evans Hughes, a U.S. Secretary of State and Chief Justice of the United States, Elizabeth's diagnosis and subsequent treatment with insulin were pivotal moments in medical history, showcasing the life-saving potential of the newly discovered hormone.

Early Life and Diagnosis

Elizabeth was born into a prominent family, with her father being a significant figure in American politics and law. In 1919, at the age of 11, she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition that was essentially a death sentence at the time. The standard treatment before the discovery of insulin was a starvation diet, which only temporarily prolonged life. Elizabeth's condition deteriorated rapidly, and her prospects seemed grim.

Treatment with Insulin

In 1922, Elizabeth became one of the first patients to receive insulin, a treatment discovered by Frederick Banting and Charles Best. This treatment was experimental at the time, and Elizabeth was treated in Toronto, Canada, by Dr. Banting himself. The insulin treatment was successful, and Elizabeth's health improved dramatically, allowing her to lead a relatively normal life. Her case became a beacon of hope for diabetics worldwide and marked a significant milestone in the treatment of the disease.

Later Life

After her recovery, Elizabeth Hughes pursued an education, attending Barnard College and later studying at Columbia University. She maintained her diabetes in relative secrecy, a testament to the stigma associated with the disease at the time. In 1930, she married William T. Gossett, and they had three children. Throughout her life, Elizabeth was an advocate for diabetes research and treatment, though she did so quietly, preferring to keep her personal health issues private.

Elizabeth Hughes Gossett passed away in 1981, having lived nearly 60 years longer than expected, thanks to the advent of insulin therapy. Her life story is not only a personal tale of survival and resilience but also a significant chapter in the history of medicine, highlighting the impact of insulin on the lives of diabetics.

Legacy

Elizabeth Hughes Gossett's experience with diabetes and early insulin treatment played a crucial role in demonstrating the efficacy of insulin for diabetes management. Her story is often cited in medical and historical discussions about the disease and its treatment. Moreover, her life underscores the importance of medical innovation and the profound difference it can make in individual lives.