Introduction
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a condition in which blood vessels are damaged due to the excessive force which blood exerts on them (Davis, 2014). Chronic kidney disease, on the other hand, is a condition in which kidney filters and blood vessels in the kidney are destroyed thereby incapacitating the ability of the kidney to perform its functions as it should (Klodas, 2012). These two conditions have been observed to have a link by several studies which have concluded that hypertension leads to chronic kidney disease and vice versa. The aim of the current paper is to examine whether such assertions are factual based on the available literature on the links between hypertension and chronic kidney disease.
Background and Significance of the Problem
About 1 in every 3 people of the adult population in America have been diagnosed with hypertension (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 2012). The detection of hypertension is complicated as the condition has no obvious signs and symptoms. A person with hypertension can have it for years without his/her knowledge. All that while, the condition will be damaging the heart, the kidneys and other body organs.
There is strong evidence suggesting that hypertension increases the incidence of chronic kidney disease. In fact, there is a strong notion in the medical world that the relationship between hypertension and chronic kidney disease is cyclic in nature. This means that, if an individual develops hypertension, there are chances that he/she will develop chronic kidney disease and vice versa.
The current paper proposes that regular medical check-ups are conducted to ensure that there is an early detection of either of the two conditions. Early detection can help in treating one condition instead of waiting until there is the development of the other condition.
Statement of the Problem
The problem addressed herein relates to the link between hypertension and chronic kidney disease. These two conditions are closely related and to ascertain whether there are links between them, the current paper has revisited published literature with an explanation for this problem.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to establish how hypertension and chronic kidney disease are related. All indications point out to the fact that these two conditions are related and one develops as a result of the incidence of the other. Therefore, the purpose of the current paper is to offer an opinion on how best the incidence of either of these conditions can be handled to avoid the development of the other, given the cyclic nature of relationship between them.
Research Questions
The current paper seeks to respond to the following three research questions:
- What is hypertension?
- What is chronic kidney disease?
- How are these two conditions related
Research Hypothesis
The working hypothesis in the current paper is: The incidence of hypertension is directly linked to the incidence of chronic kidney disease and vice versa. The two conditions have a verifiable link.
The null hypothesis in the current paper is: The incidence of hypertension is not related to the incidence of chronic kidney disease. The two conditions have no verifiable link.
Conclusion
The analysis of available literature has pointed out to the undeniable link between the incidence of hypertension and the consequent incidence of chronic kidney disease. Therefore, the conclusion of the current paper is that regular medical check-ups are done to discourage the development of these two conditions.
References
Davis, C. (2014). High blood pressure and kidney disease facts. Web.
Klodas, E. (2012). High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease. Web.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, (2012). What Is high blood pressure? Web.