OVERVIEW OF HYPERTENSION

 

 
Hypertension has been identified as one of the most significant risk factors for other cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence rate increases with age and it is higher in blacks than in whites.

In many of the cases in Nigeria many people do not know they have hypertension while some have misconceptions about it, sadly there is NO CURE YET and treatment is lifelong.

What Is "Normal" Blood Pressure?

A blood pressure reading has a top number (systolic) and bottom number (diastolic). The ranges are:

• Normal: Less than 120 over 80 (120/80)
• Prehypertension: 120-139 over 80-89
• Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159 over 90-99
• Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above over 100 and above
• High blood pressure in people over age 60: 150 and above over 90 and above.

Hypertension risk factors include Obesity, over-consumption of alcohol, smoking and family history of hypertension, adrenal and thyroid disorders.


CLASSIFICATION OF HYPERTENSION

Hypertension is usually classified  broadly into

•  Essential hypertension(unknown causes)
• Secondary hypertension: this type of hypertension is as a result of treatable underlying causes

TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION

•  Dietary management: Dietary management has three important aspects which are Salt restriction, calorie restriction and Cholesterol and saturated fat restriction.

• Drug therapy: Hypertension can be treated with ANTIHYPERTENSIVES. There are various antihypertensives in Nigeria and the Doctor or Pharmacist goes through the individualized stepped care therapy approach in choosing the right drug for each hypertensive patient.

REFERENCE
Aguwa,C.N., et al,2004 Therapeutic Basis of Clinical Pharmacy In the Tropics 4th ed. Snapp press ltd, 89-96.