HYPERTENSION IN EUROPE

Prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors in Europe

PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN EUROPE- A

Introduction:

Hypertension and the risks associated with it are two of the most commonly occurring cardiovascular diseases in Europe. The risk of hypertension is proportional to the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years smoking. Finally it is always advisable to promote aerobic physical exercise, so not only is a reduction of blood pressure but also produces a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, diabetes or hypercholesterolemia (Hanna, Kenady, 1999, pp 540 - 545). A large number of patients with primary hypertension there is pathological arteries: marked increase in resistance (i.e., loss of elasticity) of the smallest arteries - arterioles. Arterioles further move in the capillaries. Loss of elasticity of arterioles increases blood pressure (Mubarak, Froelicher, Jaddou, Ajlouni, 2008, pp 346 -351).

However, the reason for such changes in the arterioles is unknown. Noted that such changes are characteristic of individuals with primary hypertension associated with genetic factors, physical inactivity, excessive salt intake and aging. In addition, a role in hypertension is inflammation, so the detection of blood C-reactive protein may serve as a prognostic indicator. In people with obesity risk of developing hypertension is 5 times higher compared with those whose weight is normal (Gillespie, Kuklina, Briss, Blair, Hong, 2011, pp 78 - 79). In the U.S., for example, two thirds of cases of hypertension can be attributed to obesity. More than 85% of patients with hypertension have a body mass index> 25 (Wolf , Cooper, 2003, pp 101 - 111).

Sodium plays an important role in causing hypertension. Approximately one third of cases of primary hypertension is associated with an increased intake of sodium. This is due to the fact that sodium is capable of holding water in the body. Excess fluid in the bloodstream leads to increased blood pressure. Renin - a biologically active substance produced by the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the kidneys. Its effect is associated with increased tone of the arteries, which causes high blood pressure (Mubarak, Froelicher, Jaddou, Ajlouni, 2008, pp 346 -351). Primary hypertension may be as high renin and low. For example, African Americans have characteristically low levels of renin in primary hypertension, and therefore in the treatment of hypertension, they are more effective diuretics. Insulin - a hormone produced by the cells of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas (Staessen, Thijs, 2004, pp 100 - 102). It regulates blood glucose levels and contributes to its transition into the cells. In addition, this hormone has some vasodilating properties. Normally, insulin may stimulate sympathetic activity, without giving an increase in blood pressure. However, in more severe cases, such as diabetes mellitus stimulates sympathetic activity may exceed the vasodilating effect of insulin. This research pointed out that snoring can also be a risk of primary hypertension (Gillespie, Kuklina, Briss, Blair, Hong, 2011, pp 78 - 79). Age is also often a risk ...