Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, is particularly common in Africa, with a prevalence rate of 46% among adults over the age of 25, according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) assessment in 2013.
However, lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of it and, together with proper treatment, help manage it and reduce the risk of associated complications, according to Cimas Health Group doctor Tafadzwa Mungiria.
“Untreated hypertension can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, eye damage, cognitive decline or dementia, aneurysms, pregnancy complications and peripheral vascular disease,” Dr Mungiria said.
“However, hypertension is a manageable condition with the right lifestyle choices and medical care. Regular monitoring and proactive management are the key to preventing complications.”
Blood pressure is defined as a condition where the force of the blood against the walls of arteries is consistently high.
It is measured in millimetres of mercury, with the first number, the systolic number, measuring the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts or beats and the diastolic number measuring the pressure when the heart relaxes (between beats).
The International Society of Hypertension and the European Society of Cardiology define hypertension as a systolic blood pressure of 140mmHg or greater and a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or above. Hypertension is diagnosed using readings on two or more separate occasions at least two hours apart, Dr Mungiria said.
The prevalence of hypertension in Zimbabwe was estimated at around 30% by WHO in 2013 and a study done in 2015 but this may be an underestimation, since there is poor data collection when it comes to hypertension, according to Dr Mungiria.
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The prevalence among those attending Cimas clinics is about 45%, he said.
“Non-communicable diseases are becoming more visible, contributing to the global burden of morbidity and mortality. According to the WHO 2021 report, cardiovascular illnesses, hypertension included, were the leading cause of death globally,” he said.
“Low and middle-income countries have experienced significant increases in prevalence. The increase is attributed to urbanisation, dietary changes and reduced physical activity.”
Causes
Hypertension can be caused by various factors, Dr Mungiria said. These include a family history of high blood pressure, poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, smoking and medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, obesity and heart disease. Stress can also contribute to high blood pressure.
Risk factors
Risk factors include modifiable risk factors such as a poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption and non-modifiable factors such as age, pregnancy and kidney disease, Dr Mungiria said.
The risk increased with age. Men were more likely to develop hypertension before the age of 64 and women more likely to develop it after 65 due to hormonal changes post-menopause.
Younger adults in their 20s or 30s could develop hypertension due to factors such as obesity, stress, poor diet and physical inactivity.
“The pressures of modern urban living such as stress, poor diet and sedentary lifestyles contribute significantly to the rise in hypertension” he said.
Symptoms
Hypertension is considered a silent killer because it typically has no symptoms, Dr Mungiria pointed out.
“Some people experience headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pains, palpitations, or nose bleeds, but these symptoms are not specific. These symptoms occur when blood pressure has reached severe or life-threatening levels,” he said.
“Many people with high blood pressure are unaware of it because it has no symptoms. Regular check-ups are essential to detect it early. It is important for everyone aged over 40 or those with risk factors to have their blood pressure checked periodically.”
Prevention
There are a number of ways to prevent or at least reduce the risk of hypertension, Dr Mungiria said. These include regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day and a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains lean proteins and low-fat dairy products.
Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing salt intake, staying hydrated, increasing consumption of potassium rich food such as bananas, sweet potatoes and leafy greens, as well as eating omega 3-rich foods such as fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel, limiting caffeine and alcohol, having enough sleep and practising relaxation techniques could all help reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Most people should have at least six hours sleep per night, he said. Relaxation techniques included meditation, yoga and deep breathing.
“Where weight is concerned aim for a BMI of between 18,5 and 24,9kg/m2,” he said.
He recommended regular blood pressure checks, especially if there is a family history of hypertension or there are risk factors.
Treatment
There is no definitive cure for hypertension but with proper treatment and lifestyle changes it is possible to manage and control hypertension and thus reduce the risk of associated complications, Dr Mungiria said.
“Hypertension can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management.
“Medication such as calcium channel blockers that include amlodipine and nifedipine, diuretics, ACE inhibitors such as enalapril and ARBs such as losartan and telmisartan are commonly prescribed.
“Diuretics increase urine production, removing excess fluid and salt from the body reducing blood volume and blood pressure. ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and ARBs all relax blood vessels.
“Some people may need to take medication for life but others may be able to reduce or stop medication with significant lifestyle changes and under medical supervision.”
- The information in this article is provided as a public service by the Cimas iGo Wellness programme, which is designed to promote good health. It is provided for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult their doctor or clinic on any matter related to their health or the treatment of any health problem. To contact the iGo team, e-mail [email protected] or WhatsApp 0772 161 829 or phone 024-27730663.
