The silent killer

People who record blood pressures above 130 over 85 on three or more occasions are hypertensives. According to the 2003 US Joint National Committee report, there are over one billion people in the world with hypertension. Among people 55 years and over who do not now have hypertension, 90 per cent can expect to develop hypertension during their lifetime. People between 40 and 70 years of age increase their risk for f heart attack, stroke or kidney disease as blood pressure increases.

Genetics

People with relatives who are hypertensives have a greater likelihood of developing high blood pressure. Having a sibling with hypertension increases your risk 3.5 times of becoming hypertensive.

Salt intake

There is evidence that excess sodium intake also causes high blood pressure. Populations that lower their salt intake will also lower blood pressure.

Stress

Stress can raise blood pressure levels. There is an association between the stresses of low socioeconomic status and hypertension.

Fatness

Excess intake of calories and low levels of physical activity results in overweight and too much abdominal fat is associated with high blood pressure. People who are physically active and fit are less likely to develop high blood pressure.

Other risk factors

Nicotine in cigarette smoke raises blood pressures both in addicts and non-addicts. The effect of each cigarette lasts for about 30 minutes. Alcohol in small amounts lowers the blood pressure, but when taken in moderate amounts over long periods, alcohol results in high blood pressure.

Symptoms

Most people with hypertension have no symptoms. However, people with very high blood pressure may experience severe headaches on awakening. The headaches are felt in the back of the head, may be throbbing in nature and resolves after a few hours with or without painkillers. Passing urine more frequently at nights is common in people with hypertension but in men, this may be due to a coexisting enlarged prostate.

Screening

Hypertension is truly the silent killer. It can only be detected by checking your pressure. Men should have their blood pressure checked at least once per year to screen for hypertension. The medical examination will check for possible damage to the organs (brain, heart and kidney). It will allow screening for overweight and obesity. Laboratory tests will check for associated problems such as diabetes, cholesterol levels and renal status.

Dr Pauline Williams-Green is a family physician and president of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.