MASSIVE CAMPAIGN ON ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE BY THE MEDICAL CDS,NEMBE BAYELSA STATE

 Arterial blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is measured in two major physiologic terms:

Systolic pressure(range 110-140mmhg) and

Diastolic pressure(range 60-80mmhg)

Normal blood pressure is about 120/80(mmhg)

Hypertension is a severe case of high blood pressure and it has a lot of ills.Hypertension can lead to damage of your arteries. This damage can affect other organs of your body as well. When hypertension is left untreated, it can put you at risk for a variety of dangerous complications or conditions, including:

heart attack

heart failure

stroke

aneurysm

kidney disease

damage to the eyes

dementia,among others.

The medical CDS took to the streets of Nembe Bayelsa state to address some issues as well as misconceptions about blood pressure such as the fact that:

a. Increased blood pressure can only be momentary

b. Arterial blood pressure increases with age

c. Sex can affect blood pressure: in females up to the time of menopause,blood pressure is about 5mmhg less than in males.

d. After meals: blood pressure is raised after meals due to increase in cardiac output

e. Exercise: blood pressure is also increased drastically after vigorous exercise

Hence,it is unwise to check the blood pressure during these conditions rather at the BASAL METABOLIC conditions when the body is at rest or under no form of pressure.

Basic terms were explained including how to maintain a normal blood pressure and what to do when your blood pressure is either higher or lower than normal.

Hundreds of lives were touched and no personality was spared irrespective of societal status quo. Free blood pressure checks were done for all who were spoken to and they were also given professional advice on what to do. The process was carefully monitored by health professionals who are also part of the medical CDS one of which is Anyiam Kennedy (Bsc,B

LS,ACLS,HRMA) an Anatomist with certifications and professional training in Basic life support,Advanced cardiac life support and Years of clinical experience.

At the end of the day, the efforts of the medical CDS was applauded by notable dignitaries as such great campaign is highly commendable. Worthy of note is that the entire campaign as well as diagnosis with professional advice were all FREE OF COST. All thanks to the medical CDS as they continue to add value to society.