Marie-Guillaume-Alphonse Devergie

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 Marie-Guillaume-Alphonse Devergie (1798–1879) was a prominent French dermatologist known for his significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the study and treatment of skin diseases. His work in the 19th century laid foundational knowledge for modern dermatology.

Early Life and Education

Marie-Guillaume-Alphonse Devergie was born in 1798 in France. Details about his early life and education are sparse, but it is known that he pursued a career in medicine, focusing on dermatology, a field that was still in its infancy at the time.

Career

Devergie's career was primarily based in Paris, where he worked at several hospitals, including the famous Hôpital Saint-Louis, which was known for its specialization in skin diseases. At Hôpital Saint-Louis, Devergie made numerous observations and conducted research that would contribute significantly to the understanding of various dermatological conditions.

One of Devergie's most notable contributions was his work on psoriasis and lichen planus, two skin conditions that were poorly understood at the time. He was among the first to describe the clinical characteristics of these diseases, differentiating them from other skin conditions and laying the groundwork for future research and treatment approaches.

Publications

Devergie published several influential works on dermatology. His most famous publication, Traité pratique des maladies de la peau (Practical Treatise on Skin Diseases), provided comprehensive insights into the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases during his time. This work was widely recognized for its thoroughness and was considered a seminal text in dermatology.

Legacy

Marie-Guillaume-Alphonse Devergie's contributions to dermatology are still recognized today. He is remembered for his meticulous approach to the study of skin diseases and his dedication to improving the understanding and treatment of these conditions. Devergie's work helped to establish dermatology as a distinct medical specialty, and his publications continue to be cited by dermatologists and researchers.

Death

Devergie passed away in 1879, leaving behind a legacy that would influence the field of dermatology for generations to come.