26Sep 2023

HYPERTENSION: A REVIEW OF PREVALENCEANDASSOCIATEDFACTORS

Hypertension means high pressure in the arteries; it is commonly known as high blood pressure. Blood pressure from 120/80 mmHg to 139/89 mmHg is called pre-hypertension, blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg is considered high. Elevated systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart disease, kidney disease, hardening of the arteries, eye damage and stroke. These complications of hypertension are often called target organ damage, because damage to these organs is the end result of chronic high blood pressure. Most people with hypertension do not have any symptoms in the early stages, symptoms only appear after target organs are damaged. These symptoms are usually due to target organ damage and their manifestations depend on the affected organ. For this reason, regular screening of people with symptoms is essential for early diagnosis, treatment, and control of high blood pressure. Early diagnosis, treatment, and optimal control of hypertension are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality from hypertension-related diseases. A family history of hypertension shows that people with high blood pressure are nearly 6 times more likely to have high blood pressure than people with high blood pressure. People without the disease and those with high income levels are three times more likely to have high blood pressure. The greater the body mass, the more blood is needed to supply oxygen and nutrients to muscles and other tissues. Salt consumption and hypertension Sodium and salt intake remains controversial as a risk factor for hypertension, although it is true that some people are particularly sensitive to sodium. Physical activity and hypertension Inactive adolescents are more likely to have high blood pressure. Excessive consumption of saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension.


Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Uganda.

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