Hypertension is a chronic medical condition characterized by a persistently elevated blood pressure of ≥140/90mmhg on two occasions with at least 6 hours apart.
Hypertension is a silent killer. Presently it is estimated to be responsible for 45% of deaths due to heart disease and 51% of deaths due to stroke. It is one of the major non communicable diseases that is ravaging the world today.
RISK FACTORS FOR HYPERTENSION:
- Genetic factors
- Obesity
- Black race
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Stress
- Other medical conditions like kidney problems
CLASSIFICATION OF HYPERTENSION:
| Systolic | Diastolic | |
| Normal | <120 | <80 |
| Pre hypertension | 120−139 | 80−89 |
| Stage 1 hypertension | 140−159 | 90−99 |
MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION
- Lifestyle modification: Stop alcohol, stop smoking, stop sedentary life style, exercise, drink a lot of water, and avoid too much salt in food.
- Drugs: Ensure that your antihypertensive medications are taken regularly every day.
- Dash diet: Avoid fried foods, eat a lot of fruits, avoid roasted foods, and avoid fatty foods.
- Check your blood pressure every day and record in a hypertension register.
COMPLICATIONS OF HYPERTENSION
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Blindness/visual impairment
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
ADVICE FOR HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
- Regular follow up visits at the hospital
- Adherence to medications
- Compliance to medical instructions
- Do ECG at least once in a year
- Do kidney function test at least twice in a year
Measure your blood pressure
Control it
Live longer
