Underpinning Models/Concepts
High blood pressure can be prevented by the implementation of approaches that focus on the entire population and persons as well as groups that are at a greater risk of having this condition (Alqahtani, 2019). Environmental approaches are most likely to be the most effective means of preventing hypertension as compared to other strategies. Nonetheless, the strategies implemented at an early life are more likely to effectively prevent hypertension in society. The various approaches aimed at preventing high blood pressure are relayed below.
First, the population-based approach. This strategy is focused on achieving a decreasing shift in the distribution of BP in the entire population; thus, an important element for the comprehensive proposal of preventing high blood pressure. This method is a traditional strategy that is utilised in healthcare practices and aims to achieve a clinically significant decrease of blood pressure for persons with the hypertension condition as well as the prevention of the condition among all individuals. The approach originates from the public health mass lifestyle conditions. Its focus is on achieving smaller but significant lessening in blood pressure to the whole population, thus resulting in a minor downward shift in the entire blood pressure distribution (Alqahtani, 2019). Several studies argue that the population-based strategy gives a higher potential of preventing cardiovascular as compared to the targeted approach. This verdict results from the principle that a larger number of individuals exposed to a minor upsurge in cardiovascular threat may result in many cases other than a smaller population availed to a largely increased threat.
Lastly, the intensive targeted approach. This strategy focuses on attaining a greater drop in BP to those who are at a higher risk of having high blood pressure. Individuals with a greater threat to having high blood pressure include people who are overweight or obese, high sodium intake in the diet, excessive alcohol intake, a sedentary environment, and inadequate potassium intake (Alqahtani, 2019). Various researches indicate that this intervention is suitable in health care environments and faith-based groups that have referral programs and BP screening. Below are some significant ways in which lifestyle can influence the occurrence of hypertension.
Intake of unhealthy diet increases the chances of developing the hypertension condition; thus, people of all ages are urged to be mindful of their eating habits. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating proposal is significantly effective in the prevention and control of high blood pressure (Alqahtani, 2019). The diet comprises of many whole grains, fruits, nuts, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean proteins and legumes. The intake of a low amount of sodium and the DASH diet prevents the development of high blood pressure as well as controls it.
Also, the consumption of much sodium enhances the development of hypertension. Henceforth, it is advisable to consume only the required amount of sodium. Addiction to sodium results from processed salted foods such as pastries, breads, cereals, salted meats, and canned goods (Alqahtani, 2019). Modelling researches indicate that a small reduction in salt consumption could prevent many deaths that result from hypertension.
Additionally, an increase in potassium consumption lowers the chances of developing high blood pressure as well as it assists in its control. Due to its blood-pressure-lowering effects, a rise in the potassium consumption is estimated to prevent cardiovascular occurrences, and many pieces of research have illustrated an inverse relation of potassium consumption to stroke and other types of cardiovascular events (Alqahtani, 2019). Improved potassium consumption can be attained by either the utilisation of potassium supplements or by an increase in potassium consumption. The latter strategy is advisable with the DASH meal-offering the everyday recommended consumption.
Furthermore, insufficient physical exercise also encourages the development of hypertension. Observational researches often have that engaging in physical activities assists in the prevention of hypertension and regulating blood pressure among patients with hypertension. Besides, modest levels of physical exercises have proved to reduce the threat of developing high blood pressure. Randomised experiments have suggested that the most effective physical exercise aimed at lowering BP is aerobic exercise. However, isometric and dynamic resistance physical activities are also effective. The mechanisms of physical exercises in preventing high blood pressure are unclear. However, they can include, insulin resistance, cardiac output, diminution of the sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin system activity, improved endothelial function and decreased total peripheral vascular resistance (Alqahtani, 2019).
Moreover, obesity and overweight encourage the development of hypertension. The threat of high blood pressure constantly rises with increasing anthropomorphic measurements that are, waist to height ratio, waist to hip ratio and waist circumference in parallel to Body Mass Index (Alqahtani, 2019). Various studies have continuously demonstrated that the threat of high blood pressure in adults reduces with a reduction in body weight and vice versa. Various pathophysiological mechanisms have indicated to add to the development of high blood pressure in obese people. These pathophysiological mechanisms include oxidative stress, insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, adipokine disorders such as reduced adiponectin, high leptin, intestinal microbiota, increased sympathetic nervousness system and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity, endothelial dysfunction and higher renal sodium intake with volume expansion.
Outline of Proposed Action Plan
The suggested action plan is segmented into four particular phases or sub-sections, and the designations are separated accordingly.
Sub-section 1 – Planning, Opening Research
– To perform a study using NICE collective learning databases. Performing this step will aid in knowing what works from earlier strategies, together with sections of improvement.
– Develop a study questionnaire by utilising previous statistics from earlier projects, existing local recovery societies, earlier academic studies, NICE guidelines and targeting persons who have applied the implementation of DASH diets in their meals.
– Develop comprehension of the lifestyle, sociology-economical, pathophysiological and genetic determinants of high blood pressure within my intended population.
– Seeking and obtaining access to my intended population’s study to acquire a proper understanding of their knowledge about high blood pressure.
Sub-section 2
– Identifying the municipality’s leaders to assist in taking the lead of understanding the perception of the required objectives of the study concerning high blood pressure.
– Identifying the ‘peer leaders’ within this age limit.
– Providing the necessary training, advice and guidance to the municipality’s leaders, ‘peer leaders’ and all the personnel that will be involved in partaking the study.
