Hypertension in the commonest cardiovascular disease. WHO has defined hypertension as ‘ a systolic blood pressure of 160 mm Hg and above and or a diastolic blood pressure of 95 mm Hg or above”.

Classification

Hypertension is classified as:

1. Primary or essential hypertension when the exact cause is not known.

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2. Secondary hypertension when it occurs due to known causes such as renal and endocrine diseases or toxemia of pregnancy.

Complications

The complications of hypertension are 1. cerebrovascular strokes 2. ischemic heart disease 3. congestive cordiac failure 4. ocular and neurological problems.

Cause

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The various predisposing factors for hypertension are:

1. Hereditary and family history

2. Obesity

3. Stress, strain, worry and nervous tension.

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4. Overeating, especially fats.

5. High salt intake

6. Alcohol and tobacco smoking.

Prevention and control

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Avoidance of all risk factors (fatty diet, smoking and alcohol).

Weight reduction and exercise

Reducing the stress and strain of life.

4 Self – care by regular check up of blood pressure

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5. Treatment with antihypertensive drugs.

6. Health education and health pronoun.

It can be done by educating the public about the risk factors in hypertension. They must be advised to avoid them for the preven­tion of hypertension.