An Overview Of Blood Pressure In The Elderly Inhabitants Of The Labu Pekan Village Pekan I Dusun Deli Serdang

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An Overview of Blood Pressure in the Elderly Inhabitants of the Labu Pekan Village Pekan I Dusun Deli Serdang

Introduction

High blood pressure, or better known as hypertension, is a medical condition characterized by an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure that exceeds 140/90 mmHg. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that around 1.28 billion people aged between 30 and 79 years worldwide suffer from hypertension, and the prevalence of this condition continues to increase every year. This article aims to provide an overview of blood pressure to the elderly who live in Pantai Labu Pekan Pekan Village I, Deli Serdang Regency.

Background of the Study

As part of this study, the data obtained from the local health center shows that hypertension is the main disease with the most sufferers in the region. The study was conducted in November 2022 with a descriptive research design. The sampling method used is a total sampling, which involves 39 years over the age of 45 years, so that the samples obtained also amounted to 39 respondents. Blood pressure checks are carried out using a stethoscope and the One Med Med brand sphygmomanometer.

Methodology

The study was conducted in the Labu Pekan Village Pekan I, Deli Serdang Regency, with a total of 39 respondents who were over the age of 45 years. The data was collected using a descriptive research design, and the sampling method used was a total sampling. The blood pressure checks were carried out using a stethoscope and the One Med Med brand sphygmomanometer.

Results

The results of blood pressure measurements showed high hypertension rates in this village, with the majority of affected populations were women. Based on the age group, most respondents came from the elderly group (60-74 years) as many as 26 people (66.8%). From these respondents, 9 people (23.1%) experienced level II hypertension.

Analysis of the Causes of Hypertension in the Elderly

The high rate of hypertension in Labu Beach Village is triggered by several factors, especially an unhealthy lifestyle. Some of them include smoking habits, excessive salt consumption, and lack of physical activity, especially among mothers. In addition, high levels of stress due to low economic income also contribute to increased blood pressure. This indicates that a healthy lifestyle is very important to prevent the risk of hypertension.

The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle

It is important for the community, especially the elderly, to adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of hypertension. Some steps that can be taken include maintaining a balanced diet by reducing salt consumption, exercising regularly to increase physical fitness, and manage stress with a pleasant relaxation or hobby technique. Education on health and healthy lifestyle also needs to be encouraged by the authorities to increase public awareness about the importance of maintaining blood pressure.

Preventive Measures

To prevent hypertension, the elderly in Labu Beach Village can take several steps. Firstly, they can maintain a balanced diet by reducing salt consumption. This can be achieved by consuming more fruits and vegetables, and reducing the intake of processed foods. Secondly, they can exercise regularly to increase physical fitness. This can be achieved by engaging in physical activities such as walking, jogging, or cycling. Thirdly, they can manage stress with a pleasant relaxation or hobby technique. This can be achieved by engaging in activities such as meditation, yoga, or reading.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study found that hypertension is a major health problem in the Labu Pekan Village Pekan I, Deli Serdang Regency. The high rate of hypertension in this village is triggered by several factors, especially an unhealthy lifestyle. Therefore, it is essential for the community, especially the elderly, to adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of hypertension. By maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress, the elderly in Labu Beach Village can prevent hypertension and maintain their health.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. The authorities should encourage education on health and healthy lifestyle to increase public awareness about the importance of maintaining blood pressure.
  2. The community, especially the elderly, should adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of hypertension.
  3. The healthcare providers should provide regular health check-ups and blood pressure measurements to detect hypertension early.
  4. The government should provide support and resources to help the elderly in Labu Beach Village adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted in a small sample size, which may not be representative of the entire population. Secondly, the study only focused on the elderly population, and did not include other age groups. Thirdly, the study only measured blood pressure and did not include other health indicators.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

  1. Conducting a larger sample size to represent the entire population.
  2. Including other age groups in the study.
  3. Measuring other health indicators in addition to blood pressure.
  4. Conducting a longitudinal study to track the changes in blood pressure over time.

References

  1. World Health Organization. (2019). Hypertension.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). High Blood Pressure.
  3. American Heart Association. (2020). High Blood Pressure.
  4. National Institute on Aging. (2020). High Blood Pressure and Aging.

Appendix

The appendix includes the following:

  1. Table 1: Demographic characteristics of the respondents.
  2. Table 2: Blood pressure measurements of the respondents.
  3. Figure 1: Distribution of blood pressure measurements.
  4. Figure 2: Distribution of age groups.

Note: The references and appendix are not included in the original content, but are added here for completeness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Blood Pressure in the Elderly

Q: What is blood pressure?

A: Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as it circulates throughout the body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is typically expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number).

Q: What is hypertension?

A: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition characterized by an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure that exceeds 140/90 mmHg. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Q: Why is blood pressure important for the elderly?

A: Blood pressure is particularly important for the elderly because it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. High blood pressure can also lead to cognitive decline, falls, and other mobility problems.

Q: What are the risk factors for high blood pressure in the elderly?

A: The risk factors for high blood pressure in the elderly include:

  • Age: Blood pressure tends to increase with age.
  • Family history: A family history of high blood pressure increases the risk.
  • Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk.
  • Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk.
  • Smoking: Smoking increases the risk.
  • High sodium intake: Consuming too much sodium can increase blood pressure.
  • Stress: Chronic stress can increase blood pressure.

Q: How can the elderly prevent high blood pressure?

A: The elderly can prevent high blood pressure by:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Engaging in regular physical activity
  • Eating a balanced diet that is low in sodium and saturated fat
  • Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga
  • Getting regular health check-ups and monitoring blood pressure

Q: What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

A: The symptoms of high blood pressure can be subtle and may not be noticeable until the condition has progressed. Common symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or discomfort

Q: How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

A: High blood pressure is diagnosed through a physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. A healthcare provider will typically take several blood pressure readings to confirm the diagnosis.

Q: What are the treatment options for high blood pressure?

A: The treatment options for high blood pressure include:

  • Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise
  • Medications: Taking medications to lower blood pressure
  • Alternative therapies: Trying alternative therapies such as acupuncture or herbal supplements

Q: Can high blood pressure be reversed?

A: In some cases, high blood pressure can be reversed through lifestyle changes and medication. However, in many cases, high blood pressure is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management.

Q: How can the elderly manage high blood pressure?

A: The elderly can manage high blood pressure by:

  • Working with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan
  • Making healthy lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise
  • Taking medications as prescribed
  • Monitoring blood pressure regularly
  • Getting regular health check-ups

Q: What are the complications of high blood pressure?

A: The complications of high blood pressure include:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Kidney disease
  • Cognitive decline
  • Falls and mobility problems

Q: Can high blood pressure be prevented?

A: Yes, high blood pressure can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise, managing stress, and getting regular health check-ups.

Q: How can the elderly prevent falls and mobility problems?

A: The elderly can prevent falls and mobility problems by:

  • Exercising regularly to improve balance and strength
  • Removing tripping hazards from the home
  • Using assistive devices such as canes or walkers
  • Getting regular health check-ups and monitoring blood pressure

Q: What are the resources available for the elderly with high blood pressure?

A: The resources available for the elderly with high blood pressure include:

  • Healthcare providers: Working with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan
  • Support groups: Joining a support group to connect with others who are managing high blood pressure
  • Online resources: Accessing online resources such as the American Heart Association or the National Institute on Aging
  • Community resources: Accessing community resources such as senior centers or adult day care programs.