Health expert warns of hypertension dangers

….Dr. Singh says hypertension is a ruthless silent killer that has claimed many lives

By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka – 22-05-22- (Zambia24) – A health expert from Texila American University in Zambia has warned about the growing dangers of Hypertension not only in Zambia but also the world over.
Dr. Amit Singh, a Dean at Texila American University, School of Medicine told journalists in a statement that hypertension is a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risks to not only the heart, and brain but also the kidney which leads people to die of not cured in time.
Dr. Singh observed that the WHO African Region has the highest prevalence of hypertension (27%) while the WHO Region of the Americas has the lowest prevalence of hypertension (18%).
According to Dr. Singh, a study conducted in urban Lusaka revealed that the prevalence of hypertension was 34.8% (38.0% of males and 33.3% of females).
He said an estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition and less than half of adults (42%) with hypertension are diagnosed and treated.
He disclosed that hypertension is a disease with an “iceberg phenomenon” where the tip of the iceberg is only seen but can’t see the size of the iceberg below the water.
He explained that people with severe hypertension easily exhibit fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors.
He said other symptoms associated with hypertension are early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, blurred vision, and ear buzzings.
He observed that 90% of cases of hypertension are idiopathic, in 5-10% of the rest of the cases, hypertension is secondary to a variety of known diseases such as chronic kidney disease.
He said non-modifiable risk factors include a family history of hypertension, age over 65 years, and co-existing diseases, including diabetes or kidney disease.
He said modifiable risk factors include unhealthy diets (excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables), physical inactivity, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, and being overweight or obese.
He said hypertension is called a “silent killer”. In most people, it may have no warning signs or symptoms.
He advised the people who experience such symptoms to regularly have their blood pressure measured to rule out the possibility of living with hypertension.
He said the studies documented a consistent 10 to 20 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood Pressure 1-3 hours following exercise in those with hypertension.
In these days of 70-hour workweeks, Dr. Singh said mobile, fax machines, and endless committee meetings, stress has become a prevalent part of people’s lives and the effect of stress on blood pressure is of increasing relevance and importance.
Although stress may not directly cause hypertension, it can lead to repeated blood pressure elevations, which eventually may lead to hypertension.
The good news is that Dr. Singh advised those with severe, hypertension to have drugs and Medications those diagnosed can seek treatment single drug or a combination of drugs in health facilities.
He is also of the view that the best remedy is the role of LifeStyle modification which is very significant.
According to the WHO hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure. The Normal Blood pressure is considered as <120 mm Hg Systolic & < 80 mm Hg Diastolic. Systolic Blood Pressure > 140 mm Hg and Diastolic > 90 mm Hg need to be addressed. It is considered to have reached a dangerous level if it goes above 180/120 mm Hg.
As per WHO an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries.