HYPERTENSION: THE SILENT KILLER ON THE LOOSE
Martina, a 45 year old woman presented with severe chest pain, headaches , difficulty in breathing, dizziness. She checked her blood pressure which had a reading of 137/100 mmHg.Her health care professional clerked her where she admitted a family history of hypertension and her father’s passing from the same ailment. She was advised to monitor her blood pressure. From successive tests and constant monitoring, it was discovered that she had stage 1 hypertension. She was placed on antihypertensives to manage her elevated blood pressure and educated on lifestyle and dietary modifications.
INTRODUCTION
There have been reports of young people in their 30s or 40s suddenly collapsing and dying, often due to undiagnosed persistent hypertension. Hypertension isn’t like malaria, which can be cured with a short course of medication. It’s a chronic condition requiring regular monitoring and management. Be cautious of ‘agbo’ or herbal concoctions claiming to provide a quick fix, as they often don’t deliver lasting results. In fact, the situation may remain the same or even worsen after using these products.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the arteries. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Hypertension often has no symptoms, making it a silent killer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension affects over 1 billion people worldwide.
RISK FACTORS
The risk factors associated with hypertension include obesity, unhealthy diet (high sodium, low potassium), physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress.
SYMPTOMS
Hypertension is described as a silent killer, but a few of these symptoms may present and include but is not limited to chest pain, headaches, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, vision changes and come with complications such as stroke, kidney disease, , dementia among many manifestations.
MANAGEMENT
Individuals living with hypertension can always live better with best practices and lifestyle management. These include adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction, can help prevent and manage hypertension. For people with hypertension, medication can help control blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications.Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for detecting and managing hypertension. Creating awareness about hypertension is important because it encourages people to get their blood pressure checked regularly, leading to early detection and treatment. Adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction, can help prevent hypertension.
CONCLUSION
World Hypertension Day serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness, prevention, and management of hypertension. By working together, The burden of hypertension can be reduced and promote a healthier future for all can be promoted .Be cautious of ‘agbo’ or herbal concoctions claiming to provide a quick fix, as they often don’t deliver lasting results. In fact, the situation may remain the same or even worsen after using these products.It is important to get your blood pressure checked often and consult a health professional when you do not feel too well.