What Is hypertension?
Hypertension is defined as arterial blood pressure that exceeds 140/90mmHg at several determinations.
This is an arbitrary definition because a diastolic pressure of even 85 mm Hg may be associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Hypertension is one of the most common diseases afflicting humans throughout the world. Because of the associated morbidity and mortality and the cost to society, hypertension is an important public health challenge. It is easily detectable, usually easily treatable, and often leads to lethal complications if left untreated.
Hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, end-stage renal disease, and peripheral vascular disease.
Therefore, health care professionals including the health extension workers must not only identify and treat patients with hypertension but also promote a healthy lifestyle and preventive strategies to decrease the prevalence of hypertension in the general population.
Overall, approximately 20% of the world's adults are estimated to have hypertension in excess of 140/90 mm Hg. Some studies done in developed countries show almost 50 % of the population may have hypertension. The prevalence dramatically increases in patients older than 60 years.