Importance of Early Detection and Treatment of Hypertension in Preventing Cardiovascular diseases
Hypertension can be difficult to manage. Lifestyle adjustments and medication may both be needed in order to control blood pressure effectively.
Screening for hypertension is recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force as one way of reducing morbidity and mortality associated with it, though various screening strategies (mass, targeted or opportunistic) have differing impacts on outcomes.
Prevention
Every person has blood pressure (the force exerted by blood on arterial walls when pumping), but some experience abnormally high readings known as hypertension. Hypertension has many behavioral and socioeconomic risk factors associated with it such as lack of regular activity, obesity, and unhealthy diets – these could all be contributing factors.
As it happens, there are various strategies available to prevent hypertension. Individuals can adopt healthier diets, lose weight, quit smoking and drink less alcohol while exercising regularly; additionally they may take medications designed to decrease blood pressure as well as manage other risk factors.
Screening for hypertension is an effective way of identifying individuals who would benefit from preventative measures; however, finding out the ideal time and frequency remains challenging.
Detection
Hypertension screening programs should aim to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with it through interventions such as point-of-care screening programs, health education initiatives, referral mechanisms, etc. (WHO 2013).
Even though a simple blood pressure measurement is relatively inexpensive, many remain unaware that they have high BP or are at risk as early stages usually don’t produce symptoms. Therefore, screening should be offered regularly to all, particularly those at increased risk, including those aged 60 and above; those with a family history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease; African American or Hispanic individuals.
Clear guidelines from the JNC can raise awareness about the necessity of screening for chronic conditions like hypertension. Unfortunately, however, such guidelines become irrelevant if those most at risk cannot comply with them due to not having access to health insurance coverage.
Treatment
Hypertension is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease and mortality in North America, including coronary heart disease (the leading cause), stroke, congestive heart failure and renal disease. Furthermore, it contributes significantly to global morbidity and mortality rates.
Risk for high blood pressure increases with age and is affected by genetic inheritance, too much salt in their diet or unhealthy fats, as well as lack of physical activity.
People looking to lower their blood pressure can eat a low-sodium diet, limit alcohol use and become physically active; take medication or dietary supplements; monitor their own blood pressure using validated and accurate home and office ambulatory/office blood pressure measurements with validated devices; confirm diagnosis via the American Blood Pressure Measurement Project; USPSTF recommends annual screening for hypertension for adults 40 years or older at increased risk (for instance black persons with normal readings who are overweight); screening should be performed by trained health care providers ( eg. nurses or physician assistants).
Monitoring
While government agencies, health promotion foundations, and specialty medical societies have stressed the importance of early detection and management of hypertension in order to reduce associated risks as well as morbidity and death, many at-risk populations lack consistent access to screening services. Their hypertension prevalence tends to be significantly higher, and they are less likely to participate in health promoting behaviors or visit their primary care providers regularly despite readily available inexpensive blood pressure monitoring devices that could easily monitor their BP levels.
Well-conducted studies are required to accurately assess the impact of different screening strategies (mass, targeted or opportunistic) on reducing hypertension-related morbidity and mortality, such as those who lack access to healthcare facilities or services. Knowing which screening strategy works best will assist policy-makers and practitioners when making their decisions about care delivery.
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