Question

Why is hypertension called "the silent killer"?

What are the symptoms and treatments?

Why are some patients non-compliant with treatments?

Answer 1

HYPERTENSION

​​​​​​INTRODUCTION

Nowadays Lifestyle diseases are increasing day by day ,among them one of the most common one is hypertension so why is this very common? Before going to that just we need to understand the condition.

DEFINITION

It is said to be the increased force of blood against the artery wall . Usually hypertension is defined as blood pressure above 140/90mmHg.

Hypertension- Silent killer

Though it's a dangerous condition but it is one of the trickiest one. Most of the time people doesn't have any obvious symptoms . untreated hypertension increses the risk of heart diseases as well as stroke.Some of the facts which attributes hypertension as silent killer are given below

• Often signs and symptoms are misunderstood
• It develops slowly and can be related to many reasons
• It cannot be cured but managed effectively with a comprehensive approach along with life style changes

SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTENSION

Recent studies shows that hypertension is largely symptomless . According to health experts

• Clinical diagnosis by the health professionals is the only way

There are some inclusive symptoms which often mislead the the diagnosis are,

1. Headache
2. Nosebleed
3. Blood spots in eye
4. Facial flushing
5. Dizziness

But it may seen in severe hypertension not in the early stages so never wait for these symptoms to signal you to early detection of high blood pressure.

TREATMENT

There basically two basic treatment modalities are there

1. Pharmaco therapeutics: which includes;Anti- hypertensive drugs.

• ACE inhibitors
• Beta blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Vasodilator

1. Lifestyle Modification : includes

• Balanced diet
• Regular physical activity
• Manage stress
• Limit alcohol
• Quit smokin
• Regular follow up

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO POOR COMPLICOMPLIANCES

1. Lack of basic background knowledge
2. Beliefs and attitudes towards anti hypertensive drugs eg: patient may have the negative feeling that once if I started to take medication I need to take it lifelong
3. Failure of health workers to understand the patient priorities
4. In certain cases monetary aspects also matters.