Medicine and Health
The World Health Organization has estimated that the prevalence of hypertension is the highest in African countries. It has been found that nearly 46% of adults above 25 years of age in Africa are hypertensive compared to a relatively lower prevalence of 35% in the American population and 40% in other parts of the world. Even the risk of complications linked to hypertension such as a heart attack and stroke is higher in the African population. This emphasizes the need to highlight the risks and complications associated with hypertension and create awareness about the methods for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, occurs due to an increase in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure that is exerted by the blood flowing through the arteries and veins on their walls.
Hypertension is one of the leading drivers of cardiovascular deaths in Africa. The prevalence of this condition is the highest in the older population.
If not treated in a proper manner, it can result in a number of life-threatening complications like heart attacks, stroke, and kidney failure.
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
Hypertension is often called a silent killer as most patients with this condition are unaware of the problem due to the absence of any warning signs.
When symptoms do occur, they usually include vision changes, nosebleeds, early morning headaches, irregular heart rhythm, and buzzing in the ears. Severe hypertension may cause fatigue, vomiting, confusion, nausea, anxiety, chest pain, or muscle tremors.
Diagnosis of hypertension
The best way to detect hypertension is to visit your healthcare professional to measure your blood pressure.
Some other tests that help to evaluate the heart functions like ECG, 2-D echocardiography, and treadmill stress test can also be performed to determine the risk of complications.
Treatment of hypertension
The treatment is aimed at reducing and managing stress, checking the blood pressure regularly, and the use of medications to lower the blood pressure.
We have a team of skilled medical professionals who have expertise in the management of hypertension. You can visit us at our center or contact us to learn more about hypertension and the various methods for the management of this condition.
