HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE CAUSES, PREVENTION & MANAGEMENT By Eunice Akosua Ofosua Amoako

What is Hypertension or High Blood Pressure? Hypertension is a state or condition where the blood pressure is measured at the clinic or at home is 140/90mmHg or higher upon several (at least on three different occasions) readings when you are relaxed.

BLOOD PRESSRE (BP)  Pressure of blood as it moves through the arteries  It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg)  Recorded as two figures e.g. 150/90mmHg  Top number is systolic pressure, bottom number is diastolic pressure

Phrases and Definitions Arteries: blood vessels which carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Diastolic Pressure: pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between each heartbeat. Systolic Pressure: pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts.

Classification of High Blood Pressure  Primary (essential) hypertension  Secondary hypertension

Causes of High Blood Pressure Primary (essential) hypertension: Causes of primary hypertension are usually unknown and is mostly assumed to be due to changes in the body with ageing e.g. narrowing of arteries

Causes of High Blood Pressure cont. Secondary hypertension This is usually due to an underlying condition e.g.  Kidney disease  Endocrine disorders(conditions where some hormones affect blood pressure are produced in excess in the body)  Obesity  Lifestyle (sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, high salt diet, high fat diet, stress e.t.c.)  Genetic (family history)

How common is High Blood Pressure?  Very common in Ghana now and not restricted to persons over age 60 obviously due to changing lifestyles.  It is also more common in people with diabetes and of African-Caribbean origin.

Common symptoms High blood pressure does not usually cause noticeable symptoms, but a few can be noticed;  Headache  Fatigue/tiredness  Palpitation (increased heart rate)  General ill health

How is High Blood Pressure diagnosed?  A single blood pressure reading that is high does not mean you have hypertension  Hypertension is confirmed if several blood pressure readings taken on different occasions (at least three) when you are relaxed are high, that is 140/90mmHg  Blood pressure measurement can be done at the clinic or at home with a blood pressure device.

What are some of the complications or dangers of High Blood Pressure?  Kidney damage  Eye damage  Stroke  Heart attack

Management and Treatment  This is aimed at reducing high blood pressure.  Lifestyle changes and medications are used to reduce high blood pressure.  Lifestyle changes are usually recommended first before patients are put on medications.

Some of the lifestyle changes recommended include  Losing weight (if you are overweight)  Reducing alcohol intake  Stop smoking  Regular exercise  Healthy diet:

Some of the lifestyle changes recommended include  Reducing salt intake  Low fat diet  Reducing number of caffeine drinks  Eating more white meat (e.g. poultry) and fish  Reducing stress; allow some time for relaxation and leisure.

Treatment Where lifestyle modification alone cannot attain lowering of high blood pressure, various medications prescribed by your doctor should be taken.

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