High blood pressure image


Introduction

     The body is made up of various system which include; the cardiovascular system, renal, respiratory, digestive and so on. But I will focus on cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular system consist of heart and the network of vessels in which the blood circulate round the body. The force per unit area which maintain blood flow across the blood is called, blood pressure.

Classification

Blood pressure is classified into;
1. Systolic blood pressure (SBP)
2. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP)

     Blood pressure is SBP/DBP e.g 110/70 mmHg. The normal blood pressure is 120/80


What is hypertension?

It refers to a persistently elevated blood pressure. The threshold values for a diagnosis of hypertension

  • WHO/ISH (1999 & 2004)

      Blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg, two or more occasion.


  • ACC/AHA (2017)


      Blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/80 mmHg, two or more occasion.

Blood pressure categorization


Why is hypertension a silent killer?

In most cases, hypertension has no manifestation at all until the disease has progressed enough to an advance stage ready to maim or kill its victim through one or more of its complications. Hence, hypertension is known as silent killer.

Manifestation or symptoms of hypertension 

1. Headache
2. Lack of sleep (insomnia)
3. Leg swelling
4. Chest pain
5. Difficulty with breathing
6. Palpitation
7. Stroke
8. Bleed through the nose

Complication of hypertension

1. Stroke
2. Sudden death
3. Heart attack

Mysteries about hypertension 

1. Asyptomatic nature of the disease
2. Its incurable
3. Its invisibility
4. Its ability spring up surprise
5. Its unfathomable link with pleasure, salt and sweet taste.
6. Genetic link of hypertension


Risk factor of hypertension 

1. Non-modifiable factors: increasing age, heredity and gender
2. Modifiable factors: ignorance, excessive salt and fat intake, smoking, energy drink, alcohol intake, consumption of sugar drinks, red meat consumption, stress, sleep deprivation, lifestyle, obesity, kidney diseases, diabetes mellitus, insatiability and drugs such as steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.

Weapons to demystify hypertension

1. Have knowledge about hypertension
2. Hypertension is common among adults
3. Hypertension is not a spiritual attack or punishment by God or deity
4. Dietary modification
5. Reduce salt intake
6. Reduce fat intake
7. Avoid intake of red meat
8. Increase intake of fruit and vegetable

Lifestyle adjustment measures

1. Reduce alcohol intake
2. Stop smoking
3. Avoid stimulant; energy drink and tea
4. Reduce intake of sugary or sweet drinks
5. Avoid over-the-counter medication
6. Weight control
7. Exercise
8. Rest and sleep
9. Godliness with contentment

Blood pressure monitoring a home device called sphygmomanometer or blood pressure monitor and classify your status

Diagram of digital blood pressure monitor


Policies to resolving hypertension challenge

1. Introduction of BP check into primary health services
2. Introduction of BP check into school health service of secondary and tertiary
3. Equipping health polls with BP monitor
4. Provision of household focused BP monitoring packages (HBMP)
5. Facilitation of identified cases

Herbal remedy for hypertension

A. Garlic: Two to three (glove of garlic should be taken daily)
B. Mistletoe: The leave of the mistletoe what the Yoruba people call afomo onisana should be dried and powder and two tablespoon.
C. Potato: Boil potatoes with their skin and eat as your food on daily basis
D. Grape fruit: The vitamin in this fruit will help to tone the arteries. It should be taken liberally.
E. Get some seeds of pear, slice and dry, then grind and sleeve, put inside aloe juice and use twice a day one spoon.



Conclusion

No one is induced free from hypertension. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can take the silent killer.