Hypertension

Definition: blood pressure Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing through the arteries and is necessary for maintaining our circulation. With every heartbeat, the heart pumps blood through the arteries to all parts of the body. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing through the arteries and is necessary for maintaining our circulation. With every heartbeat, the heart pumps blood through the arteries to all parts of the body.

systolic blood pressure (SBP) systolic blood pressure (SBP) diastolic blood pressure (DBP) diastolic blood pressure (DBP) resting blood pressure resting blood pressure

Definition: hypertension Hypertension’ is a persistently raised blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg. Hypertension’ is a persistently raised blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg. The blood pressure must be high, at least three consecutive measurements, measured at the same time of the day, in the correct way: in sitting, 33cm cuff, arm position at the level of the heart The blood pressure must be high, at least three consecutive measurements, measured at the same time of the day, in the correct way: in sitting, 33cm cuff, arm position at the level of the heart

Potential consequences of Hypertension Coronary heart disease (angina, heart attack) Coronary heart disease (angina, heart attack) Stroke (thrombosis and hemorrhagic) Stroke (thrombosis and hemorrhagic) Heart failure (heart strain – especially left ventricular) Heart failure (heart strain – especially left ventricular) Chronic kidney disease (including established renal failure) Chronic kidney disease (including established renal failure) Aortic aneurysm (dilated aorta with risk of massive internal hemorrhage) Aortic aneurysm (dilated aorta with risk of massive internal hemorrhage) Retinal disease (visual impairment), and Retinal disease (visual impairment), and Peripheral vascular disease (clogged blood supply to the limbs). Peripheral vascular disease (clogged blood supply to the limbs).

Blood Pressure Values Normal BP: 100/60 mmHg – 140/90mmHg Normal BP: 100/60 mmHg – 140/90mmHg Low BP: < 100/60 mmHg Low BP: < 100/60 mmHg High BP: >140/90 mmHg High BP: >140/90 mmHg

Types of hypertension Essential (or primary) hypertension Essential (or primary) hypertension Secondary hypertension Secondary hypertension Malignant (accelerated) hypertension Malignant (accelerated) hypertension Gestational hypertension Gestational hypertension ‘White-coat hypertension’ ‘White-coat hypertension’

Risk factors Unmodifiable risk factors Unmodifiable risk factors Modifiable risk factors Modifiable risk factors

Unmodifiable risk factors Age and gender Age and gender Ethnicity Ethnicity Family history Family history Diabetes (Type 1) Diabetes (Type 1)

Modifiable risk factors Excess dietary salt Excess dietary salt Low dietary potassium Low dietary potassium Overweight and obesity Physical inactivity Excess alcohol Excess alcohol Smoking Smoking Cold homes Cold homes Socioeconomic status Socioeconomic status Psychosocial stressors Psychosocial stressors Diabetes (type 2) Diabetes (type 2) Low birth weight Low birth weight Being formula-fed as a baby Being formula-fed as a baby

COMMUNITY BASED INTERVENTIONS