Under pressure

What are the main symptoms people should look for if they suspect they’re suffering from hypertension?

The main symptoms patients should pay attention to that can indicate organ damage are confusion, visual disturbances, swelling of feet, numbness, 
and headache not responding to medications. 

What steps can people take to reduce the risks of contracting hypertension?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the key. This should include daily exercise for at least 30 minutes. In terms of diet, I recommend adopting a Dash (Dietary approaches to stop hypertension) eating plan, which is consuming foods that are rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products with a reduced content of saturated and total fat. It’s also important to ensure you have enough sleep as blood pressure is highly affected by a lack of sleep.

Another important factor is reducing the amount of salt in your diet and drinking enough water, which should be between two and three litres a day.

How significant is a family history of hypertension in someone’s probability of contracting it?

Hypertension is around twice as common in subjects who have one or two hypertensive parents, and multiple epidemiologic studies suggest that genetic factors account for about 30 per cent of the variation in BP in various populations.

Here in the UAE, hypertension is a significant problem. What steps are DHA taking to tackle the problem?

DHA pays special attention to non-communicable diseases and chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes by offering constant policy updates for managing the conditions. The authority also conducts campaigns to create awareness and we have plans for a dedicated clinic for chronic diseases, where consultation times are longer and a more comprehensive level of care is offered.

Once diagnosed, how is hypertension treated and what steps can people who have been diagnosed take to alleviate the symptoms of the condition?

Hypertension is treated first with lifestyle modifications, then drug therapy is initiated based on the patient’s condition. The drug therapy might be a mono (single medication) or combined (two or three medications), depending on the individual’s needs.

Patients must be aware of the importance of adhering to their medication and not skipping or stopping their prescription before consulting a physician. 
They also need to ask about possible side effects and blood pressure goals while taking the medicines. 

Monitor the blood pressure if you’re on medication. It is crucial that patients report any possible symptoms that they experience while taking their medications.

What complications can people with hypertension suffer from if left untreated?

Left ventricular hypertrophy is a condition often found in patients with hypertension. The condition is associated with a higher incidence of subsequent heart failure, myocardial infarction and sudden death, and stroke. Hypertension is the most common and most important risk factor for ischemic stroke. The incidence of strokes can be markedly reduced by effective antihypertensive therapy. 

The condition is also a risk factor for chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Hypertension is also a leading risk factor for ischemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction and coronary interventions.