HIGH BLOOD PRESSURECAUSES, PREVENTION

& MANAGEMENT

ByEunice 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) hypertensionSecondary 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 hypertensionThis 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;

HeadacheFatigue/tirednessPalpitation (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 intakeStop smokingRegular exerciseHealthy 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.

END/QUESTIONS?