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The High Prevalence Of Hypertension

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Hypertension, (HTN) also known as high blood pressure is defined as an elevated arterial blood pressure, with a reading more than 140/90. Once develops, it usually lasts for life. It can be treated and controlled very well. It is now known that African Americans develop HTN earlier in life and it is more severe at any decade of life than other ethnic groups. They are 3 -5 times as likely as whites to have renal complications and end-stage kidney disease. Because of the frequency of the disease, a program for screening potential HTN individuals was launched in 1972 by a special committee under, The Department of Health Education and Welfare. Epidemics: A disease or condition which is highly prevalent in a community. The high prevalence of hypertension (HTN) in my community is currently being driven by the increased age of the population and of obesity. There is a need to come together to stop the progression of this disease that is taking over our community. Essential hypertension (HTN) usually begins as a labile (unstable) intermittent process in the late 30’s to early 50’s and gradually becomes “fixed”. When the cause of hypertension is unknown it is called, primary hypertension or essential hypertension. Ninety five percent (95%) of patients with HTN have primary HTN. Going through my community there are many stroke and heart attack victims who are on disability. Their conditions occur simply because they were hypertensive. Broward Community Health Center has spent

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