Hypertension and Its Clinical Warning Signs among the Elderly in Yenagoa LGA Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim/Objective: This study determines the rate of hypertension among elderly males and females residents in yenagoa LGA in relation to age variations. Methods: A descriptive research design and a simple random method was adopted for this study. A noninvasive (auscultatory) approach with the aid of a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer was used to measure blood pressure of the (215)participants using the left arm.Weight was determine using a health care bathroom scale with model number TB – 001China while a meter scale for height calibrated in meters was used to determine the height of the participants. The BMI was calculated using the square of the height to divide the weight of the respondents while all information relating to hypertension received was documented in structured questionnaires. Results: Findings from this study reveal an overweight of over 25kg/m² among elderly females within the ages of 60-79yrs compared with those above 80yrs(24.66kg/m²).Hypertension was observed among elderly females 60-69yrs (140/83-143/93mmHg) and 75 to >80yrs (142/88-147/93mmHg) respectively. Regarding the elderly males, a significant systolic hypertension was observed among age 70-74 and above 80yrs. This was accompanied by a gradual decline in the pulse significantly. Further findings from this study shows that the percentage categories of blood pressure among the elderly in yenagoa are: 8.37% optimal, 12.56% normal, 14.42% normal high, while the prevalence of hypertension in the following stages was : stage1 15.81%, stage2 46.98% and stage3 1.86% respectively. The following clinical warning signs were observed among the elderly considered in this study: Constant headache (34.4%),chest pain (31.6%), dizziness (29.8%),breathing difficulties (17.2%),anxiety (18.6%) and sleeping difficulties-insomnia (65.1%). Conclusion: This study observed a higher BP among elderly women above 80yrs compared with men. Furthermore, males within age 70-79yrs had a higher BP than elderly females. Though vascular pathophysiology is common in advanced hypertension, however the clinical impact varied among individuals. Hence early diagnoses, regular physical activities, proper nutrition and follow up treatment of hypertension in the elderly may reduce the substantial risk from cardiovascular diseases and death.