Abstract:
Hypertension is a condition of the arteries dilating out of experiencing high pressure during the pumping of blood by the heart. It is also known as high blood pressure condition. Hypertension leads to the occurrence of other diseases in the body such heart failure, kidney diseases and stroke. These diseases are ranked among the top killers in the United States and the rest of the world. For this reason, a study was conducted with the intention of finding ways to prevent hypertension among the Glasgow Caledonian University students. The research showed the knowledge of the respondents for the causes of hypertension, the participant’s family knowledge of hypertension, and the way raised blood pressure can be prevented. The results of the findings were tabulated as shown and discussed.
Key words: hypertension, diseases, condition, blood pressure.
Index of tables and figures X
Acknowledgments XX
Introduction 6
Methodology 7
Results 8
Discussion 13
Conclusion 15
References 16
Appendices 17
Acknowledgement
I wish to thank my kindly tutor, Lizzie for her guidance through the process of doing this project. I also wish to thank all Glasgow Caledonian University Students whom were our respondents as well as my teachers at The Clyde class and my classmates for their help and participation to achieve this report. Also I would like to thank Glasgow Caledonian University Library’s staff for their assistance.
4thMay 2013
Introduction:
Hypertension which is also known as high blood pressure is one of the leading conditions in causing health complications and deaths among most adults. It is indicated that one out of three American adults is affected with hypertension. Additionally, two thirds of the adult Americans aged 65 and above are also affected with hypertension (University of Maryland Medical Center 2011). Blood pressure is defined as the force of blood exerted on the walls of the arteries as it pumps through. Therefore, the narrower the arteries are and the more blood is pumped by the heart, the higher the blood pressure. On the other hand, the normal blood pressure is described as an average diastolic blood pressure expressed in 80 mm Hg and an average systolic blood pressure of 120 mm Hg. If the average systolic blood pressure measures above 140 mm Hg and the average diastolic blood pressure measures above 90 mm Hg, or either of them, then that condition is termed as hypertension/high blood pressure. There are a number of risk factors that scientists have indicated that lead to hypertension. However, the mechanism through which most of these risk factors cause hypertension is not well known to scientists and researchers. Hypertension raises the risk of stroke and heart diseases that are said to be the top causes of death among Americans and the rest of the world.
Methodology:
Random sample of 20 local GCU students were asked to fill out a questionnaire. The questionnaire was carried out on the 23rd of April 2013. The random sample was chosen with the aim to measure Glasgow Caledonian University’s student’s awareness of ways to prevent hypertension (high blood pressure) and maximum generalization of the information gathered. Therefore, GCU students were chosen because their level of education seemingly to convey that they have a high awareness of Hypertension. The questionnaire was selected as the tool for data analysis as it permitted anonymity of the participants. The survey has consisted of one page, at the top of the page, the participants were notified who is conducting the project; ‘‘it does not take more than five minutes and answer all questions honestly’’. The questionnaire was divided into nine questions; all of them were closed questions. The survey was developed using previous studies and all the questions aim to measure the respondent’s opinions on Hypertension in general except one question about the respondent’s family history of hypertension. The variables questions chosen aimed to identify GCU student’s awareness of ways to prevent hypertension (high blood pressure).Thus, the data was gathered; it was graphed and analyzed quantitatively.
Results:
This bar chart demonstrates the number of the respondents who have background knowledge about hypertension. It can be seen that all participants indicated an awareness of this disease.
This pie chart shows the participants ‘stress feeling. As can be seen the vast majority of respondents, 70%, stated that they always feel stress. On the other hand, 15% of the respondents stated that they sometimes and often feel stress. Overall, the participant’s demonstrated that they always feel stress.
This bar graph displays that 80 % of participants have family history of hypertension. However, 20 % of respondents have no family history of high blood pressure. In brief, the majority of participants had genetic disposition of hypertension.
This pie chart illustrates the 18 participant’s indicated that healthy diet and reducing salt intake can prevent from high blood pressure while 14 respondents stated that quit smoking can protect from hypertension. 10 respondents suggested that avoid alcohol help to protect from hypertension whereas 7 participants indicated that eating vegetables and fruits played a role to prevent the disease.
Discussion:
High blood pressure is one of the conditions termed as ‘a silent killer’ that cause serious and deadly diseases in human beings. It is said to be a ‘silent killer’ since it usually does not have symptoms that indicate that one is developing hypertension so as to prevent it. However, scientists point out that there are a few factors that contribute to the occurrence of high blood pressure in a person. These factors include; age, genetic disposition, lack of exercise, taking too much salt, obesity and stress. The trend in which these factors contribute to the development of hypertension is not very clear to scientists. However, in this research conducted in Glasgow Caledonian University, the respondents pointed out that they were aware of these factors that cause hypertension. These causes lead to the acquisition of either of the two types of hypertension namely; primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Of the two, primary or essential hypertension is the most common that constitutes 95% of all cases. Therefore, the underlying factors that cause it are not clear. Contrary, secondary hypertension has clear underlying causes known that include kidney disorders, chronic heavy use of alcohol, endocrine disorders, and continued consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, use of nicotine, cocaine and other stimulants as well as obstructive sleep apnea. They also indicated that they are aware of the preventive ways to be used against hypertension (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2013).
In this research, a number of risk factors were investigated among the respondents of the study. The most predominant risk factor that was pointed out among the participants is the family history of hypertension. It was indicated that 80% of the respondents had a family history of high blood pressure. This showed that the majority of people suffering from the hypertension condition have a genetic disposition. This can be one of the reasons as to why hypertension is still one of the leading causes of deadly diseases among the populations despite the fact that ways of preventing it are well known and easy to apply. Of the respondents, only 20% who indicated that they had no history of hypertension in their family tree. Fortunately, these high percentage of people disposed to the risk of high blood pressure can work towards lowering the chances of occurrence of hypertension in their bodies through a number of ways. This means that there is no guarantee of developing high blood pressure just because one’s family has a history of it (University of Maryland Medical Center 2011).
The other 20% of the respondents were exposed to other risks such as obesity, stress, being African-American, being older, not receiving enough exercise, high sodium intake, having prolonged conditions such as kidney diseases, diabetes, and intake of too much alcohol or having high cholesterol. In order for one to prevent the occurrence of high blood pressure, they have to carry out a number of activities such as exercising regularly. Regular physical exercises reduce the cholesterol content in the body hence widening the arteries. This will consequently lead to reduction of pressure exerted on the walls of arteries. The blood pressure will also reduce with time. Another way of preventing hypertension is through eating a healthy diet. The healthy diet that is recommended for a person who has high blood pressure or is likely to develop one, should be rich in fruits, whole grains, low-fat and vegetables. This goes hand in hand with the consumption of reduced sodium in the diets and avoiding too much intake of alcohol (Hillman and Kravitz n.d.).
Stress should also be managed well so as to prevent the risk of hypertension. In this study, it was indicated that 70% of the participants admitted to often experience stress. This is also a high percentage which is almost similar to that of the genetic disposition. Therefore, management of stress is important for Glasgow Caledonian university students to prevent hypertension. This can be achieved through the application of a few tips that help one get out of stress. It is advisable that a person who is under stress ought to take enough rest so as to recover from exercises and stressful events. Resting is vital for someone to be able to relax the body and the mind that directly leads to reduction of stress. Another tip is having a self-evaluation of the values of life as well as setting realist goals and expectations. This will help an individual avoid the unnecessary causes of stress hence preventing the risk of hypertension. From this study, it can be noted that the causes of hypertension among Glasgow Caledonian University students can be prevented to some percentage through taking the correct measures as indicated (Mayo Clinic Staff 2013).
Conclusion and recommendations:
According to the research carried out in this study involving Glasgow Caledonian University students, it was found out that the causes or risk factors for hypertension are quite a number. However, genetic disposition and stress were the major risk factors for the condition among students. This study revealed that the reason as to why one out of three Americans is affected by hypertension is because of risk factors such as genetic disposition and stress among others. The study also concluded that these factors are manageable if the public are exposed to enough relevant information so as to prevent hypertension. High blood pressure also exposes a person to a risk of contracting diseases such heart diseases that are deadly. The participants in this study from Glasgow Caledonian University pointed out that stress is the second topmost risk factor of hypertension. This is mostly generated through every day activities and hustles of life. However, the good news is that these risk factors can effectively be managed with the relevant knowledge so as to prevent high pressure occurrence. It was also noted that high blood pressure is a condition that is highly dangerous to the health of an individual. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary measures so as to prevent its occurrence.
In summary, high hypertension among Glasgow Caledonian University students can be prevented if the participants exercise regularly, take a balanced diet that is rich in; vegetables, fruits, low-fat content and whole grains. In addition, they should avoid drinking too much alcohol and high levels of salt in the foods taken. The application of these approaches for a person suffering from hypertension or one who is likely to develop one is important in helping to prevent it. These are the methods or approaches that we recommend to be undertaken by Glasgow Caledonian University students in order to prevent the risks of hypertension. These ways are also recommended for the rest of the population that is at risk of hypertension since they have indicated that they are effective if applied accordingly. Nonetheless, it must be noted that the best people who can benefit well through the application of these ways are those who have not yet been diagnosed with the hypertension condition.
Bibliography:
Shulman, N B, Saunders, E and Dallas Hall, W 1987, High blood pressure, New York: Macmillan publishing company.
O’Brien, E and O’Malley, K 1987, High blood pressure: What it means for you, and how to control it, London: Macdonald & Co (Publishers) Ltd.
Consensus Action on Salt & Health, Accessed on April 16, 2013
http://www.actiononsalt.org.uk/salthealth/factsheets/stroke/index.html?gclid=CImt6PPZz7YCFa7MtAodHm0ADg
MacGregor, Graham, A. Kaplan and Norman, M., 2010. Fast Facts: Hypertension – Causes. 4th ed. Abingdon: Health Press Limited, [Online] (Last updated on18th February 2013) Available from:
Q&As on hypertension:Online Q&A 2013. (Retrieved April 16, 2013) [Online]Available from:
http://www.who.int/features/qa/82/en/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013, “How to Prevent High Blood Pressure,” accessed on 11 May 2013 http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/what_you_can_do.htm
Hillman, Gavin C. and Kravitz, Len, n.d., “Hypertension and Exercise,” accessed on 11 May 2013 http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/hypertension.html
Mayo Clinic Stuff, 2013, “High blood pressure (hypertension),” accessed on 11 May 2013 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/HI00027
Appendices:
The project proposal
Intended Field of Study:
Health (Medical Sciences)
Working/Proposed title:
Ways to prevent from hypertension (high blood pressure).
Background Information:
Hypertension is known as high blood pressure which is a condition that the blood vessels (arteries and veins) have diligently increased pressure. Vessels carry blood from the heart to all parts of the body. During the heart beats which result to pumps blood into the vessels. Blood pressure is produced by the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as pumped by the heart. Normal adult blood pressure is determined as a blood pressure of 80 mm Hg when the heart relaxes (diastolic) and a blood pressure of 120 mm Hg1 when the heart beats (systolic). When diastolic blood pressure above or equal to 90 mm Hg and/or a systolic blood pressure is above or equal to 140 mm Hg the blood pressure is considered to be high.
Research Aim:
Methodology:
The goal of doing this project is to discover the awareness level among the students of Glasgow Caledonian University of ways which prevent hypertension starting by distributing a questionnaire. The questionnaire will include 8 to 10 questions as primary research. Moreover, the questionnaire will be distributed face to face to 20 Glasgow Caledonian University students.
*Examples of 3 questionnaire questions:
1. Do you have a family history of hypertension (High blood pressure)?
No Yes (Specify which member of your family) ___________________.
2- Do you know anything about Hypertension (high blood pressure)?
Yes No Not sure
3- Which of these do you think can cause hypertension? (You may tick more than one)
( ) Stress ( ) Genetic disposition ( ) Obesity ( ) Lack of exercise
( ) Age ( ) Salt ( ) None of them
*The details of 3 Secondary sources I will use:
Q&As on hypertension:Online Q&A 2013.( Retrieved April 16, 2013) [Online]Available from:
http://www.who.int/features/qa/82/en/
Consensus Action on Salt & Health (Retrieved April 16, 2013) [Online] Available from:
http://www.actiononsalt.org.uk/salthealth/factsheets/stroke/index.html?gclid=CImt6PPZz7YCFa7MtAodHm0ADg
MacGregor., Graham, A. Kaplan and Norman, M., 2010. Fast Facts: Hypertension – Causes. 4th ed. Abingdon: Health Press Limited, [Online] (Last updated on18th February 2013) Available from:
Anticipated Results:
There are no anticipated results at this time.
Timetable:
Week4: collect results of the questionnaire.
Week5: Submit first draft (Methodology, Results and Discussion).
Week7: Submit Final draft.
Week8: Presentation.
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