Leukemia & Lymphoma

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

Leukemia and lymphoma are types of cancer that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. Both conditions are characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells, but they affect different types of cells and manifest in unique ways. Understanding the distinctions and connections between leukemia and lymphoma is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and research.

Leukemia

Leukemia is a form of cancer that originates in the bone marrow and leads to the production of an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells. These cells do not function properly and can crowd out healthy cells, leading to a variety of health issues. Leukemia is categorized into four main types based on the speed of progression (acute or chronic) and the type of blood cell affected (lymphocytic or myeloid). The four main types are:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

Symptoms of leukemia can include fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, and weight loss. Treatment options vary depending on the type of leukemia and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplant.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. It affects lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection. There are two main types of lymphoma:

• Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, a specific type of abnormal cell, while non-Hodgkin lymphoma encompasses a large group of cancers that do not have this cell type. Symptoms of lymphoma can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma typically involves blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, lymph node biopsy, and imaging tests. The specific treatment plan depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Advances in medical research have led to the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies that have improved outcomes for many patients.

Epidemiology

The incidence of leukemia and lymphoma varies worldwide, with factors such as age, gender, genetic predisposition, and environmental exposures playing a role in the risk of developing these cancers. Leukemia is more common in children, while lymphoma is more frequently diagnosed in adults.

Research and Future Directions

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying leukemia and lymphoma, developing more effective and less toxic treatments, and improving the quality of life for survivors. Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing this knowledge and bringing new therapies to patients.