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| Natasha Grey Pharmacy Intern |
Blood pressure is commonly expressed as
the ratio of the systolic BP (that is, the pressure that the blood exerts on
the arterial walls when the heart contracts) and the diastolic BP (the pressure
when the heart relaxes) (Opali, 2018).
High blood pressure usually has no
symptoms. Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it.
The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked.
A blood pressure test is quick and painless (National Health Fund, 2020).
Prevalence
of Hypertension
Hypertension
affects more than 30% of the adult population worldwide, more than one billion
people around the world. It is the main risk factor for cardiovascular
diseases, especially coronary heart disease and stroke, but also for chronic
kidney disease, heart failure, arrhythmia and dementia (PAHO, 2021). This
disease is particularly common in black, middle-aged and elderly population,
the obesed, heavy drinkers, smokers and women who are taking birth control
pills. It may run in families which causes members to be at risk. People with
diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney disease are more likely to have hypertension
(National Health Fund, 2020).
The
Harmful Effects of High Blood Pressure
When blood pressure is elevated for an
extended period of time, the inner linings of the arteries become damaged. This
leaves them susceptible to the build-up of fatty deposits that can narrow or
block the arteries and reduce blood flow to the body's organs. When untreated,
high blood pressure can lead to heart failure, stroke, kidney damage, and loss
of vision from damage to the retina at the back of the eye (NHF, 2020).
How
Can You Help Prevent High Blood Pressure?
The most effective intervention to prevent
hypertension is lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes include, dietary
modifications and increased physical activity as these are effective in
lowering BP and preventing hypertension and its complications. Dietary
modifications may include the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)
diet.The DASH eating plan consists of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, low-fat dairy products and reduced sodium intake to less than 2 grams
per day (Opali, 2018). Even small improvements in an individual’s lifestyle can
be valuable and beneficial to the patient’s health.
Pharmacological therapy is also very
effective in lowering BP and preventing cardiovascular disease outcomes in most
patients. First line drugs include, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), especially
for the black population, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs),
angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or thiazide diuretics (Opali, 2018).
Prevention
Tips:
Maintain a healthy
weight, lose weight if you are overweight
- Be more physically active
- Choose foods lower in salt and sodium, and
- If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation
- Avoid smoking
By following these guidelines, you can
help reduce or prevent high blood pressure for life and in turn, lower your
risk for heart disease and stroke (NHF, 2020).
Careful
monitoring of blood pressure is very essential. Patients are advised to check
their blood pressure reading at least twice per day and keep proper records to
aid in monitoring the disease.
The theme for World
Hypertension Day 2021 is Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately,
Control It, Live Longer!
Here are some guidelines when
measuring your blood pressure:
- Blood pressure should be measured after the patient has emptied his/her bladder and has been seated for five minutes with back supported and legs resting on the ground (not crossed)
- Arm used for measurement should rest on a table, at heart-level
- Use a sphygmomanometer/stethoscope or automated electronic device (preferred) with the correct size arm cuff.
- Take two readings one to two minutes apart, and average the readings (preferred).
Here is a video on:
How to Appropriately Measure Blood Pressure in a Practice
Setting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LqKmrmaHsk&t=9s
Compiled by:
Natasha Grey (Pharmacy Intern)
References
National Health Fund. (2020). Hypertension. Retrieved from
https://www.nhf.org.jm/hypertension
Oparil, S., Acelajado, M. C., Bakris, G. L., Berlowitz, D.
R., Cífková, R., Dominiczak, A. F., Grassi, G., Jordan, J., Poulter, N. R.,
Rodgers, A., & Whelton, P. K. (2018). Hypertension.
Nature reviews. Disease primers, 4, 18014. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrdp.2018.14
PAHO. (2021). World Hypertension
Day - 17 May 2021. Retrieved from https://www.paho.org/en/events/world-hypertension-day-17-may-2021
Good information to have.
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