Question

Mr. Samson, a 43-year-old patient, was recently diagnosed with essential hypertension. What should you discuss with Mr. Samson to emphasize the dangers of his disease and to teach him about possible lifestyle modifications that he must make to improve his health? Which community resources available that might help Mr. Samson and his family effectively manage his disease?

Answer 1

Essential hypertension is the most common form of hypertension among the World population.It is an elevation in blood pressure more than the normal range without any specific or secondary reason.120/80 mm/Hg is considered as the normal blood pressure.Sometimes it is between 140/90mm/Hg.In other hand it is more than than 140/90mm/Hg. This form of hypertension is also called as Primary hypertension.

The main causes of essential hypertension are

1 HEREDITARY FACTORS

2 UNHEALTHY FOOD INTAKE

3LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

4 STRESS FUL ENVIRONMENT OR ANGER

5 OBESITY OR OVERWEIGHT.

If it is not treated or controlled in a proper manner it will lead to serious health problems and irreversible changes may occur in the vital organs.So the patient must srictly adhere to the control measures and treatment plan for better outcome.First of all to practice a healthy lifestyle which may include  a healthy diet plan and regular exercise.Strictly reduce salt intake,and include pottasium in the diet. Avoid fast food contain high sodium like salted canned food,meat,etc.Include bananas,apricot ,orranges which is rich in pottassium. Add fibre rich food too. Schedule a proper time  for exercise. It should not be less han 30 minutes to get the better result.

If any habit lke smoking or drinking alcohol it must be stoppd or limited .Smoking will badly affet the normal anatomy of blod vessels. In addition to this control body weight according to the body mass index as much as possible.In addition to this avoid sressful situations.Practice some relaxing dep breathing methods to relieve tension and anxiety. To follow and practice these non pharmacological measures will  help the patient to lead a beetter life .

In some situations patient may need to  take some antihypertensive  medications.Follow the orders from the medical practioner. Such situations be cautious about the allergic symptoms. Allergic reaction is very rare, eventhough need to know about that is helpful.

More over if not treated properly essential hypertension will cause cardiovascular problems like heart failure and heart attack,  increased level of cholesterol ,atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries) and stroke .Vital organs like kidney ,brain may be damaged .And eye problems also wil occur.Shortness of breath ,oedematous feets or palm may be occur in case of end stage of organ failure.

So obtain service from community health provider in a regular basis. Monitor blood presure routinely .Do not monitor the bolod pressure soon after the exercise ,food intake or any vigouros activity. Initial medical ckeck up should be done.It includes blood and urine tests,ECG,,Ecocardiogram ,and vital organ check up.Cholesterol and,creatinine levels are some important blood investigations.According to the lab results adjust diet plan and exercise pattern with the help of a community health provider. Repeat the tests if  needed as per the advise. Include the family also in the tratment regimen.Health education to the family must be provided by a community health care provider.Spent time with other families or patient experiencing the same situation with the help of community health care provider will enhance a positve attitude towards the disease condition.