At least one out of five patients with chronic illnesses in Homa Bay suffers from hypertension, medics from Medecins Sans Frontiers have revealed.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against heart artery walls is so high that it may cause other problems like include heart and kidney diseases.
The condition does not show any signs or symptoms, making it a silent killer.
MSF medical team leader in Homa Bay Earnest Emetole said their latest data indicates at least one out of five patients with chronic diseases suffers from hypertension.
Speaking in Homa Bay town when they marked the World Hypertension Day on Tuesday, Emetole expressed concerns that hypertension kills many in disguise.
“Study reveals that at least out of five patients with chronic illnesses who are referred to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, one suffers from hypertension,” Emetole said.
He said hypertension has no cure but is only managed to reduce its adversity.
Emetole argued that the best remedy is for people to go for medical checkup early enough for the management to start early.
“Detecting a disease early enhance efficiency in its management. Let residents seek medical test so that we can deal with the condition,” he said.
According to the coordinator of Chronic Diseases Management in Homa Bay Caroline Aloo, hypertension can result from genetics or lifestyle.
She asks residents to engage in physical exercise and avoid any foods that increase body weight.
“Consumption of too much salt and fatty foodstuff can cause hypertension. The medical condition is also genetic and can attack someone based on family genes,” Aloo said.
She urged residents to avoid waiting until they fall sick to be tested for high blood pressure.
The official wants residents to develop a habit of going for medical tests even if when they are not sick.
“This will help identify chronic diseases like hypertension,” Aloo said.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
