Knowing Your Numbers Saves Lives: World Hypertension Day 2024
World Hypertension Day, observed every May 17th, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about hypertension, its risks, prevention, and control. In Nigeria, where hypertension poses a significant public health challenge, this day is particularly crucial. This year’s World Hypertension Day theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!” emphasizes the importance of accurate blood pressure measurement alongside awareness and control. Early and accurate detection is crucial for effective management and reducing the risk of hypertension-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially in low- and middle-income areas.
Understanding Hypertension: A Health Perspective
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition characterized by consistently elevated force of blood against the walls of the arteries. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that hypertension contributes to about 45% of deaths due to heart disease and 51% of deaths due to stroke globally .
In Nigeria, the prevalence of hypertension is particularly alarming. According to the Nigerian Heart Foundation, approximately 30% of Nigerian adults are affected by hypertension . This high prevalence is attributed to factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, and inadequate access to healthcare services. Furthermore, the asymptomatic nature of hypertension often leads to late detection and treatment, exacerbating the risk of severe complications.
Raising public awareness about the importance of regular blood pressure checks and adopting healthier lifestyles is essential. Public health campaigns that focus on reducing salt intake, encouraging physical activity, promoting balanced diets, and moderating alcohol consumption can significantly contribute to the prevention and management of hypertension. These measures are crucial in curbing the rising tide of hypertension-related illnesses and deaths in Nigeria.
How to Get an Accurate Blood Pressure Reading
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that accurate blood pressure measurement relies on three key factors:
Clinically validated automated devices: Using a blood pressure monitor that has been validated for accuracy is essential.
Correct measurement protocol: Following the proper steps for taking a blood pressure reading, including proper cuff size, patient positioning, and avoiding talking or moving during measurement, ensures reliable results.
Proper patient preparation: Factors like avoiding caffeine, smoking, and exercise for at least 30 minutes before a reading, and emptying your bladder, can influence blood pressure and should be considered.
The Role of Pharmacists in Hypertension Management
Pharmacists play a pivotal role in the fight against hypertension, leveraging their accessibility and expertise to promote cardiovascular health and manage hypertensive patients. On World Hypertension Day, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of pharmacists in this critical area of healthcare.
1. Patient Education and Awareness: Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients seeking health advice. They provide crucial information on the risks associated with hypertension and the importance of lifestyle modifications. Through counseling, pharmacists help patients understand the need for dietary changes, regular exercise, and smoking cessation, empowering them to take control of their health.
2. Medication Management: Effective management of hypertension often involves long-term medication use. Pharmacists ensure that patients adhere to their prescribed antihypertensive medications by providing clear instructions on dosage, potential side effects, and the importance of compliance. Medication therapy management (MTM) services offered by pharmacists help identify and resolve medication-related issues, ensuring patients receive the most effective treatment .
3. Blood Pressure Monitoring: Many community pharmacies offer blood pressure monitoring services, allowing for regular checks and early detection of hypertension. Pharmacists can identify individuals at risk and refer them to physicians for further evaluation and management, facilitating timely intervention and reducing the risk of complications .
4. Collaborative Care: Pharmacists work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and dietitians, to provide comprehensive care for hypertensive patients. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of the patient’s health are addressed, leading to better management outcomes and improved patient health.
Celebrating Progress and Looking Forward
World Hypertension Day in Nigeria is an opportunity to celebrate the progress made in raising awareness and managing hypertension. Public health initiatives, increased access to healthcare services, and the dedicated efforts of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, have significantly contributed to this progress.
However, continued efforts in public education, early detection, and comprehensive management are necessary to further reduce the burden of hypertension in Nigeria. By embracing a collaborative approach, leveraging the expertise of healthcare professionals including pharmacists, and following the 2024 World Hypertension Day theme of measuring blood pressure accurately, Nigeria and other countries can significantly combat hypertension and improve cardiovascular health for all.
By Judith Obiano
References
World Health Organization. (2023, September 19). Hypertension. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
World Heart Federation. (n.d.). Hypertension. https://world-heart-federation.org/cvd-roadmaps/whf-global-roadmaps/hypertension/
The American Pharmacists Association. (n.d.). Hypertension Control. https://www.pharmacist.com/Practice/Patient-Care-Services/Chronic-Disease-Management/Cardiovascular/Hypertension-Control
World Hypertension League. (n.d.). About Us: World Hypertension Day. https://www.whleague.org/
Pan American Health Organization. (2024). World Hypertension Day 2024. https://www.paho.org/en/topics/hypertension
Pan American Health Organization. (n.d.). Hypertension. https://www.paho.org/en/topics/hypertension
European Society of Cardiology. (n.d.). World Hypertension Day. https://www.escardio.org/Education/ESC-Education-by-Topic/Hypertension
