Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

[Audio] Hypertension (High Blood Pressure). Hypertension (High Blood Pressure).

[Audio] The heart pumps blood to supply the body with energy and oxygen. As the blood flows through the blood vessels, it creates a force against their walls, which is called blood pressure. When the blood pressure on the walls of the blood vessels is constantly too high, it is called hypertension. Globally, hypertension is the most important preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and early death. Hypertension is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Approximately 46% of individuals with hypertension are not aware that they have the condition..

[Audio] Blood pressure is measured with a sphygmomanometer in millimeters of mercury. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure are the two figures that are recorded. Systolic pressure is the force the heart exerts when it pumps blood out. Diastolic pressure is the pressure that exists between the beats of the heart. The blood pressure is reported as normal when the systolic is 120 and the diastolic is 80. Hypertension is reported when the systolic is 140 and the diastolic is 90 after three consistent measurements..

[Audio] Hypertension is classified into different stages based on the severity of the condition. The normal stage is when the systolic is 120 and the diastolic is 80. The pre-hypertension stage is when the systolic ranges from 121 to 139 and the diastolic ranges from 80 to 89. Hypertension is reported as stage one when the systolic ranges from 140 to 159 and the diastolic ranges from 90 to 99. Stage 2 hypertension is reported when the systolic is 160 or more and the diastolic is 100 or more. When the systolic is greater than 180 and the diastolic is greater than 110, it is reported as stage 3 hypertension which is the most critical stage of hypertension and it requires emergency attention..

[Audio] There are two types of hypertension; primary or essential hypertension which is the most prevalent type and Secondary hypertension which occurs as a result of an underlying health condition or conditions. Primary hypertension has no known cause, however, several risk factors have been identified..

[Audio] Risk factors for hypertension include age, gender, family history, ethnicity, low income, excessive sodium intake.

[Audio] Smoking, excess alcohol intake, low potassium intake, chronic diseases such as diabetes, lack of physical activities, anxiety and emotional stress..

[Audio] Although hypertension can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity, certain individuals may be more prone to developing it. These individuals include older adults, people in the most deprived areas, people with unhealthy lifestyles and people with chronic diseases like diabetes.

[Audio] The incidence of hypertension or high blood pressure tends to be higher in older adults due to several factors. One of the reasons is the natural aging process which causes the blood vessels to lose flexibility and become less elastic. This can lead to increased resistance to blood flow and result in higher blood pressure. Also, other age-related changes such as hormonal shifts, decreased kidney function, and an increase in certain chemicals produced by the body can also contribute to hypertension in older adults..

[Audio] Various factors can contribute to the prevalence of hypertension in low-income areas. Factors such as Limited healthcare access due to lack of insurance, transportation, or long wait times for appointments, Poor diet options, and limited access to healthy foods can result in a high-calorie diet, leading to obesity, which is a risk factor for hypertension. Limited access to safe and affordable places for physical activity can contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle. Chronic stress due to financial insecurity, job insecurity, or other life stressors can also contribute to hypertension. Low-income areas may have higher levels of pollution or other environmental hazards, which can also contribute to hypertension..

[Audio] Unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in processed and high-sodium foods, physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, can increase the risk of developing hypertension by damaging blood vessels and raising blood pressure over time. Making lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption, can help prevent or manage hypertension..

[Audio] When blood flows through blood vessels and major arteries, it supplies essential nutrients and oxygen to vital organs and tissues. However, if the pressure at which blood flows increases, it can cause damage to the walls of the arteries. This damage often starts with small tears in the artery walls, to which bad cholesterol attaches itself, gradually building up in the walls and narrowing the artery. This blockage can prevent adequate blood flow, leading to damage to the tissue or organ that the artery was supplying. Hypertension causes the heart to work harder thereby increasing the risk of heart attack..

[Audio] Untreated hypertension can cause harm to the arteries of the heart, brain, kidney and eye, and as a result increases the risk of certain diseases and health conditions including stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, Eye disease, sexual dysfunction,.

[Audio] Sleep apnea; a sleep disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, aneurysm that is bruises and ruptures in blood vessels, and dementia.

[Audio] Public education: Educating the public about hypertension, its causes, and how to manage it can help to improve outcomes. Encouraging Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, eating more fruits and less sodium, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption to help to manage hypertension. Regular monitoring: Regular blood pressure monitoring can help to identify changes in blood pressure and detect hypertension early. Collaboration with healthcare providers: Collaborating with healthcare providers can help to ensure that patients receive the appropriate treatment and management of their hypertension..

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References. American Heart Association (2019). High Blood Pressure . [online] www.heart.org. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure . Carolina Heart and Leg Center (2018). Hypertension . [online] Carolina Heart and Leg Center. Available at: https://www.carolinaheartandleg.com/hypertension/ [Accessed 28 Mar. 2023]. Haroon Siddique (2015). 200,000 cancer patients live in most deprived areas of England – study . [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/nov/02/200000-cancer-patients-live-most-deprived-areas-england. NICE, N.I. for H. and C.E. (2023). CKS is only available in the UK . [online] NICE. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hypertension/background-information/prevalence/ [Accessed 27 Mar. 2023]. Mills, K.T., Stefanescu , A. and He, J. (2020). The global epidemiology of hypertension. Nature Reviews Nephrology, [online] 16(4), pp.223–237. doi:https ://doi.org/10.1038/s41581-019-0244-2. Public Health England (2017). Health matters: combating high blood pressure . [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-combating-high-blood-pressure/health-matters-combating-high-blood-pressure..