Henry Mills Hurd

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
  Henry Mills Hurd (1843–1927) was an influential figure in the field of psychiatry in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his role as the first superintendent of the Johns Hopkins Hospital Phipps Psychiatric Clinic, a position he held from its opening in 1889 until his retirement in 1911. Hurd's contributions to the field of psychiatry and the care of the mentally ill were significant during a time of considerable change and progress in medical science and treatment methodologies.

Early Life and Education

Henry Mills Hurd was born in 1843 in Union City, Michigan. He pursued his undergraduate education at the University of Michigan, where he developed an interest in medicine. Following his graduation, Hurd attended the University of Michigan Medical School, earning his medical degree in 1866. His early career was marked by a strong commitment to improving the care and treatment of individuals with mental illnesses.

Career

After completing his medical education, Hurd began his career in the field of mental health care. He initially worked at various asylums and institutions, where he gained valuable experience and insight into the challenges and needs of psychiatric patients. His early work focused on improving the conditions within these facilities and advocating for better treatment methods.

In 1889, Hurd was appointed as the first superintendent of the Johns Hopkins Hospital Phipps Psychiatric Clinic in Baltimore, Maryland. This position provided him with a significant platform to influence the field of psychiatry in the United States. Under his leadership, the clinic became a model for psychiatric care, integrating clinical treatment with research and education. Hurd was instrumental in establishing the clinic as a center for the training of psychiatrists, emphasizing the importance of a scientific approach to understanding and treating mental illnesses.

Throughout his career, Hurd was a strong advocate for the humane treatment of the mentally ill. He worked tirelessly to improve the conditions in psychiatric institutions and to promote the idea that mental illness should be treated with the same care and respect as physical illness. His efforts contributed to a shift in societal attitudes towards mental health and the care of those affected by psychiatric conditions.

Legacy

Henry Mills Hurd's legacy in the field of psychiatry is marked by his contributions to the improvement of mental health care and the training of future generations of psychiatrists. His work at the Johns Hopkins Hospital Phipps Psychiatric Clinic set new standards for the integration of clinical care, research, and education in psychiatry. Hurd's commitment to the humane treatment of the mentally ill and his efforts to advance the scientific understanding of mental health conditions have had a lasting impact on the field.

Hurd's contributions were recognized during his lifetime, and he was respected as a leader in psychiatry. After his retirement, he continued to be involved in mental health advocacy and education until his death in 1927.

See Also

• Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Psychiatry
• Mental health