Hypertension the silent killer. Part one

ABSTRACT

Hypertension is one of the non-communicable diseases that are very common world wide, especially in the developing countries. The non-communicable diseases are a group of illnesses that are not only preventable but have common preventable risk factors. The most important risk factors are smoking, drinking alcohol, high blood pressure [BP], high cholesterol, overweight, low fruit and vegetable intake and poor physical activity. Such diseases form the biggest challenge to the public health services in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, as they constitute 47% of the whole burden of disease, a figure expected to rise to 60% by the year 2020. The incidence of hypertension in the Eastern Mediterranean Region countries can reach up to 25% in the adult population, while its incidence in the American continent ranges from 14% to 40% among those 35 to 64. The prevalence of hypertension and obesity in this region, especially the Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] countries, is increasing tremendously. Without a doubt the major causative factor for this increase is related to the rapid social changes in life style, attitude and eating habits. The high prevalence of hypertension in the GCC countries may also indicate low awareness rates among its people which studies have shown can reach up to 75%. It is a common practice to diagnose hypertension when BP is > 140/90 and to classify it as mild, moderate or severe. However, since hypertension has serious consequences on various target organs, WHO recommended that it should be classified as follows - hypertension with no other cardio vascular risk factors and no target organ damage. - hypertension with other cardio vascular risk factors. - hypertension with evidence of target organ damage. - hypertension with other cardiovascular risk factors and evidence of target organ damage. This review highlights the extent of the problem, its definition, the major risk factors and complications and effective methods of controlling and preventing hypertension