Community Health Promotion Tool - Essay Example

Hypertension also means high blood pressure, is a medical condition where blood pressure is more than the normal level of 140/90mmHg thus putting strain on heart muscles leading to a health problem if not controlled. Hypertension, fortunately, can be prevented, detected, and controlled if an individual is aware of the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of the disease.
Signs and symptoms of hypertension

One can have hypertension over years without noticing because it has no visible signs and symptoms that manifest early. However, the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure include increased blood pressure of more than 140/90mmhg or more than one's normal blood pressure for six consecutive months. Headache especially in the morning, altered vision, and having a hissing sound in the ears. Episodes of fainting may be experienced, the sensation of spinning movement and feeling of light-headedness (Hypertension Study Group, 2001).

Risk factors of hypertension 

Lack of exercise leads to overweight and obesity leads to interference with circulation of blood and work of the heart muscles. Diet; too many calories and fat that lead to overweight, and too much salt that leads to retention of excess fluid in the body resulting in increase blood pressure because it overwhelms the heart function (Neighbors and Tannehill- Jones, 2010). Excessive and regular intake of alcohol and has smoking has been linked to elevating blood pressure. Advanced age, is at risk due to looseness in the flexibility of the vessels of blood thus increase blood pressure. Stress is another major factor that predisposes an individual to hypertension since stress stimulates heart action. Medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease as well as  sleep apnoea also  contribute to high blood pressure(Fennell & Baker, 2004)

Prevention of hypertension  

The following are ways of preventing high blood pressure. Regular screening is the core pillar of preventing blood pressure because it leads to early detection and management. Having a diet that has reduced salt, calories, fats, increase intake of fruits as well as vegetables, which provide essential nutrients for good health, and prevent obesity. Regular engagement in physical exercises is good for heart and blood circulation, moreover, it reduces the risk of being overweight. Limiting alcohol intake as well as stopping smoking prevents fluid overload as well as preventing calcifications of blood vessels. Avoiding or proper management of a stressful situation to prevent elevation of blood pressure (Southern African Hypertension Society Executive, 2001).