Health Practice Among Hypertensives
Chapter 1
THE PROBLEM
Background of the Study
Hypertension is a serious condition that affects about two-thirds of people aged 65 above. It is one of the most common worldwide disease afflicting human because of its high morbidity and mortality rate. Prolonged hypertension may cause several dangerous complications including aneurysm, heart failure, cerebro-vascular diseases and even renal damage. Over the years, extensive research and patient education have led to decreased mortality and morbidity rates from multiple complications arising if remained untreated.
Largest problem for controlling high blood pressure (hypertension) is compliance with the treatment. Despite the very effective and cost-effective treatments, target blood pressure levels are very rarely reached, even in countries where cost of medication is not an issue. Many patients still believe that hypertension is a disease that can be cured and stop or reduce medication when blood pressure levels fall. Lifestyle factors, such as physical inactivity, high sodium diet with high processed and fatty foods, and alcohol and tobacco abuse are at the heart of this increased disease burden, which is spreading at an alarming rate from developed countries to emerging economies, such as India and China. (Nordqvist et al.)
Essential hypertension remains a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) despite important advances in our understanding of its pathophysiology and the availability of effective treatment strategies. High blood pressure (BP) increases the risk of CVD for millions of people worldwide, and there is evidence that the problem is only getting worse. In the past decade, age-adjusted rates of stroke incidence have risen, and the slope of the age-adjusted rate of decline in coronary disease has leveled off. The incidence of end-stage renal disease and the prevalence of heart failure have also increased. A major contributor to these trends is inadequate
THE PROBLEM
Background of the Study
Hypertension is a serious condition that affects about two-thirds of people aged 65 above. It is one of the most common worldwide disease afflicting human because of its high morbidity and mortality rate. Prolonged hypertension may cause several dangerous complications including aneurysm, heart failure, cerebro-vascular diseases and even renal damage. Over the years, extensive research and patient education have led to decreased mortality and morbidity rates from multiple complications arising if remained untreated.
Largest problem for controlling high blood pressure (hypertension) is compliance with the treatment. Despite the very effective and cost-effective treatments, target blood pressure levels are very rarely reached, even in countries where cost of medication is not an issue. Many patients still believe that hypertension is a disease that can be cured and stop or reduce medication when blood pressure levels fall. Lifestyle factors, such as physical inactivity, high sodium diet with high processed and fatty foods, and alcohol and tobacco abuse are at the heart of this increased disease burden, which is spreading at an alarming rate from developed countries to emerging economies, such as India and China. (Nordqvist et al.)
Essential hypertension remains a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) despite important advances in our understanding of its pathophysiology and the availability of effective treatment strategies. High blood pressure (BP) increases the risk of CVD for millions of people worldwide, and there is evidence that the problem is only getting worse. In the past decade, age-adjusted rates of stroke incidence have risen, and the slope of the age-adjusted rate of decline in coronary disease has leveled off. The incidence of end-stage renal disease and the prevalence of heart failure have also increased. A major contributor to these trends is inadequate