Hypertension And Its Prevalence Among Young Adults

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Epidemiological studies have consistently identified an important and independent link between high blood pressure and various disorders especially coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure and impaired renal function. Despite the fact that systolic and diastolic blood pressures have been constantly identified as independent risk factors of hypertension, systolic blood pressure has been associated with a higher relative risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, renal disease and general mortality.

Although high blood pressure is independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, the risk is substantially increased by the presence and level of the other risk factors such as smoking, elevated serum cholesterol and diabetes. As a consequence, equal blood pressure levels carry different risks when associated with different combinations of risk factors. Assessing the total risk of cardiovascular disease has important implications for defining interventions thresholds in individuals with high blood pressure, (World Health Organization, 1996).

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common and serious condition that can lead to or complicate many health problems. The risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality directly correlated with blood pressure also are risk of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), angina, heart failure, kidney failure or early death from a cardiovascular origin. Blood pressure generally rises with age and hypertension has also a variety of causes, which can be as a result of side effects of certain medications such as over-the-counter cold medications and oral contraceptives and other hormonal drugs. Obesity, heredity and lifestyle also play a role in the development of hypertension. When symptoms of hypertension do occur, they can differ between individuals depending on factors such as the level of blood pressure, age, underlying cause, medical history, the presence of complications and general health, (Siyad, 2011).

1.2 Problem Statement

Hypertension is not uncommon in young adults; the incidence among young adults is increasing with the years. It is progressively becoming a common health problem worldwide because of the cumulative longevity and prevalence of contributing factors such as obesity, physical inactivity and also unhealthy diets.

According to Merwe and Merwe (2015), general practitioners may be reluctant to make a diagnosis of hypertension in a young person, and may also lack confidence about how to investigate and treat the condition. Also, there is evidence that hypertension in young adults is less likely to be diagnosed or treated even when they have good access to primary health care.

1.3 Research Objectives

At the end of this project we hope to achieve the following:

1.3.1 General objective

Evaluate the prevalence of hypertension among young adults attending Hypertension Clinic in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

1.3.2 Specific objectives

1. To evaluate the trend of hypertension among young adults attending Hypertension Clinic in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) within the period of the study.

2. To calculate the prevalence of hypertension among young adults attending Hypertension Clinic in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

3. To ascertain the prevalence by gender of hypertension among young adults attending Hypertension Clinic in Hypertension Clinic in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

1.4 Research Questions

In this project our focus was on the following questions:

1. Are there any trend of hypertension among young adults attending Hypertension Clinic in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) within the period of the study?

2. What is the prevalence of hypertension among young adults attending Hypertension Clinic in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)?

3. What is the prevalence by gender of hypertension among young adults attending Hypertension Clinic in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Hypertension is not common only with the elderly but affects individuals of all age groups. According to Packard, (2016) risk factors of hypertension in adults and possibly in children and adolescents includes the following: high blood cholesterol levels, being overweight, inactivity, smoking, kidney and heart disease, and use of prescription medications (such as steroid medications and birth control pills) or illegal leisure drugs (such as cocaine).

The young nowadays engage in activities that render them prone to the development of hypertension and other related health complications such as alcoholism and smoking; and they engage in little or no physical activities. This study will help promote the awareness that hypertension is real among young adults so as to encourage the putting in place of policies and measures to sensitise and mobilise our communities towards mitigating the disease among this group of people.

1.6 Limitation of the Study

There is no study undertaken by a researcher that is perfect. The imperfection of any research is always due to some factors negatively affecting a researcher in the course of carrying out research.  Therefore, time constraint has shown no mercy to the researcher. The limited time has to be shared among many alternative uses, which includes reading, attending lectures and writing of this research, also distance and its attendant costs of travelling to obtain information which may enhance the writing of this study was a major limitation.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Hypertension: A medical condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated above normal levels. It is commonly defined as a blood pressure reading higher than 130/80 mmHg. Hypertension can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure if left untreated.

Blood Pressure: The force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two readings: systolic (when the heart beats) and diastolic (when the heart rests between beats).

Systolic Blood Pressure: The higher number in a blood pressure reading, indicating the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood. Normal systolic pressure is usually below 120 mmHg.

Diastolic Blood Pressure: The lower number in a blood pressure reading, showing the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. Normal diastolic pressure is typically below 80 mmHg.

Prevalence: The proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific condition or disease at a given time. In the context of hypertension, it refers to the percentage of young adults who are affected by high blood pressure within a specific population.

Young Adults: Typically defined as individuals aged 18 to 40 years. This age group is often considered as emerging adulthood, a transitional period of life with changing social, physical, and mental factors.

Risk Factors: Conditions or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing a disease or condition. In the case of hypertension, common risk factors include obesity, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, and family history.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): A group of diseases involving the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Hypertension is a leading risk factor for CVD.

Obesity: A condition characterized by excessive body fat, which is commonly measured by body mass index (BMI). Obesity is a significant risk factor for hypertension and other health complications.

End-organ Damage: Refers to the harm caused to vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain due to long-term uncontrolled hypertension. It can lead to conditions like heart failure, kidney failure, and stroke.

Lifestyle Modifications: Changes in daily habits to improve health, including adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and managing stress.

Salt Intake: The amount of sodium consumed, often through salt in processed foods. Excessive salt intake is a major contributing factor to the development of hypertension.

Physical Inactivity: A lack of regular physical exercise, which contributes to an increased risk of developing hypertension, obesity, and other chronic health conditions.

Stress: Emotional or mental strain that can contribute to hypertension, especially when chronic. Stress can affect blood pressure by triggering hormonal responses that increase heart rate and blood pressure.

Health Screening: Routine medical tests and evaluations to detect potential health issues before symptoms appear. Regular screening for blood pressure can help identify hypertension early and prevent complications.