I.

INTRODUCTION

Worldwide, raised blood pressure is estimated to cause 7.5 million deaths, about 12.8% of the total of all
deaths. This accounts for 57 million disability adjusted life years (DALYS) or 3.7% of total DALYS. Raised
blood pressure is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and ischemic as well as hemorrhagic
stroke. Blood pressure levels have been shown to be positively and continuously related to the risk for
stroke and coronary heart disease. In some age groups, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles for
each increment of 20/10 mmHg of blood pressure, starting as low as 115/75 mmHg. In addition to
coronary heart diseases and stroke, complications of raised blood pressure include heart failure,
peripheral vascular disease, renal impairment, retinal hemorrhage and visual impairment. Treating
systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure until they are less than 140/90 mmHg is associated
with a reduction in cardiovascular complications.

Globally, the overall prevalence of raised blood pressure in adults aged 25 and over was around 40% in
2008. The proportion of the world’s population with high blood pressure, or uncontrolled hypertension,
fell modestly between 1980 and 2008. However, because of population growth and ageing, the number
of people with uncontrolled hypertension rose from 600 million in 1980 to nearly 1 billion in 2008.

The Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH) recognizes that about 16.4% of the adult Filipino
population (NNHeS 2003) have hypertension. This represents roughly 50% of total population of 84
million Filipinos. Only 75% of this group are aware of the problem and only about 65% of them are
getting advice and treatment. However, among those who are being treated, only about 23% will have
acceptable blood pressure control. Thus, 4.4 million adults can potentially benefit from monitored
management. This number represents a considerable proportion of the productive sector of the country.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the noncommunicable diseases that affects around 14
million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health. On the other hand, the Food and Nutrition
Research Institute (FNRI) shares this information: “Two in every 10 Filipino adults, 20 years and over, are
hypertensive.”

A recent survey conducted by the nongovernment health group Community Based Health Services
Association (CBHSA) affirmed many of the sad realities of the Philippine health care system, particularly
in Mindanao. Many of the afflictions Mindanaoans suffer were preventable, the study found out, but
these diseases became chronic and incurable because of the widespread poverty and lack of health
services.

The CDx teams found out that hypertension was the number one illness among respondents, which is
curious in itself if only for the fact that hypertension is usually thought of as a condition that afflicts the
rich and the middle class. But the CDx established that many of the food that the poor respondents
could afford are top causes of hypertension, among them salted fish and fish paste (ginamos), probably
the cheapest alternative to viand that is also very salty. (Davao Today, 2007)
II. BACKGROUND

General objectives:

At the end of two weeks exposure in Malta Medical Center, the group will have a deeper understanding
of High Blood Pressure.

Specific Objectives:

Choose a client for the case study.

Gather important data/information of the client related to the case.

Trace the genogram for possible predisposing factors of the disease.

Discuss the definition of the diagnosis.

Discuss the client’s psychosocial development based o Erik Erikson’s theory.

Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the organ involve.

Determine the pathophysiology of the disease.

Discuss the different drugs given to the client.

Present and discuss the diagnostic examinations and its clinical significance.

Formulate appropriate nursing care plans with regards to medical diagnosis.