Hypertension
Objective:• What is hypertension.
• What are the risk factors for hypertension?
• What are common symptoms of hypertension?
• Diagnosis
• How can the burden of hypertension be reduced?
Hypertension - or elevated blood pressure - is a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risks of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases.
An estimated 1.13 billion people worldwide have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries.
In 2015, 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women had hypertension.
Fewer than 1 in 5 people with hypertension have the problem under control.
Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide.
One of the global targets for no communicable diseases is to reduce the prevalence of hypertension by 25% by 2025 (baseline 2010).
What is hypertension?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries, the major blood vessels in the body. Hypertension is when blood pressure is too high.Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats.Hypertension is diagnosed if, when it is measured on two different days, the systolic blood pressure readings on both days is ≥140 mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure readings on both days is ≥90 mmHg.•
• Systolic
• Diastolic
• Normal blood pressure
• 120
• 80
• Prehypertension
• Between 120 and 139
• Between 80 and 89
• Stage 1 hypertension
• Between 140 and 159
• Between 90 and 99
• Stage 2 hypertension
• 160
• 100
• Hypertensive crisis
• 180
• 110
What are the risk factors for hypertension?
Modifiable risk factors include unhealthy diets (excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables), physical inactivity, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, and being overweight or obese.Non-modifiable risk factors include a family history of hypertension, age over 65 years and co-existing diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.What are common symptoms of hypertension?
Hypertension is called a "silent killer". Most people with hypertension are unaware of the problem because it may have no warning signs or symptoms. For this reason, it is essential that blood pressure is measured regularly.
When symptoms do occur, they can include early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, vision changes, and buzzing in the ears. Severe hypertension can cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors.
The only way to detect hypertension is to have a health professional measure blood pressure. Having blood pressure measured is quick and painless. Individuals can also measure their own blood pressure using automated devices, however, an evaluation by a health professional is important for assessment of risk and associated conditions.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of hypertension is made by measuring blood pressure over at least 3 clinic visits using the upper-arm cuff device called a sphygmomanometer.The doctor will take a history and perform a physical examination before diagnosing hypertension.
Some additional tests can help identify the cause of high blood pressure and determine any complications.
Tests may include:
• urine tests
• kidney ultrasound imaging
• blood tests
• electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiograph
How can the burden of hypertension be reduced?
Reducing hypertension prevents heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage, as well as other health problems.Prevention-Reducing salt intake (to less than 5g daily)Eating more fruit and vegetables
Being physically active on a regular basis
Avoiding use of tobacco
Reducing alcohol consumption
Limiting the intake of foods high in saturated fats
Eliminating/reducing trans fats in diet
Management-Reducing and managing mental stress
Regularly checking blood pressure
Treating high blood pressure
Managing other medical conditions
Thank you
References:WHO website.