Knox Hagley, Contributor
Hypertension, the sustained elevation of blood pressure beyond the normal limits, is a common disorder in the Jamaican community. It is present in approximately 30 out of every 100 persons aged 30 years and over and the prevalence rises with increasing age. It is more commonly found among women.
In about 90 per cent of cases, high blood pressure develops on the basis of an inherited predisposition to the disorder. The disorder itself is not inherited but develops as a result of the interaction between the inherited predisposition and a number of factors related to the lifestyles of the individual. These include:
Excess body weight (there is a direct relationship between increasing body weight and rising blood pressure).
Excess intake of salt.
Excess intake of alcohol.
A sedentary type of living.
In a small number of cases, hypertension occurs secondary to the existence of an underlying condition such as chronic kidney disease, certain disorders of endocrine glands and other much less common disorders.
The elevated blood pressure itself seldom gives rise to symptoms and so many individuals are not aware of its existence. However, over a period of time, the disorder causes enlargement of the heart and changes in arteries which result in reduced blood flow to tissues. In addition, high blood pressure leads to an acceleration of the process of atherosclerosis which causes the 'hardenings and narrowing of arteries'. Small wonder that heart disease, strokes, and kidney disease are more common in hypertensive individuals.
Reduce your weight
Treatment involves the use of a variety of measures. Reduction of excess body weight, reduction of salt intake, restriction of the use of alcohol, cessation of the use of tobacco (cigarette smoking increases the severity of the vascular changes), increasing physical activity and practising measures to cope with stress all have the potential to reduce the blood pressure. A variety of drugs are available for lowering of the blood pressure and some of these provide additional health benefits.
It is important to bear in mind that the development of hypertension can be delayed or even prevented. Control of body weight, limiting intake of salt and alcohol and engaging in regular physical activity all hold the potential to make this a reality. Offspring of hypertensive patients, in particular, should recognise the importance of adopting these measures in their youthful days.
Dr. Knox E. Hagley is the Chairman of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
Tips for blood pressure control
The Heart Foundation of Jamaica says that there are many things that Jamaicans can do to help control their blood pressure and protect their hearts. Making healthy food choices is a great way to start any day and a healthy life.
yourhealth@gleanerjm.com
Choose the following foods every day:
Plenty fruits and vegetables
Low fat with yoghurt and cheese
Whole grains and other high fibre foods
Lean meats prepared with little or no fat.
Eat these foods several times a week:
Dried peas and beans
Nuts, lean meat and poultry
At least two servings of fatty fish each week.
Choose foods lower in:
Saturated and trans fat
Sugar
Salt or sodium.
Maintain a normal body weight:
Get physically active
If you are on prescribed medications take them as instructed
Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
