Report on hypertension
Dietary patterns assessment
Maheen Nameer (001-BS)
Fatima Ramzan (002-BS)
Ahsanat Mehroz (002- ADP)
Samyka Azeem (001-ADP)
Zaigham Abdullah (003-ADP)
Under the supervision of
Maam Uns Tariq
Department of human nutrition and dietetics
Facultty of Allied health science
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Table of content
List of Tables
Introduction
Symptoms of hypertension
Risk factors of hypertension
Treatment of hypertension
Nutritional epidemiology of hypertension
Objective
Methadology
Study design
Data collection method
Data analysis
Discussion
Results
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List of tables
Section A (Lifestyle)
BMI
Sleep
Meals
Water
Tobacco
Salt
Section B (Dietary intake)
Type of salt
Fast food
Cooking oil
Drinks
Veg/fruits
Flour
Supplements
Urine
Exercise
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Section C ( Medical history)
Family history
Health issues
Duration of hypertension
stress
Symptoms
Medication
BP monitoring
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INTRODUCTION
Hypertension, commonly called high blood pressure, is a chronic medical
condition in which the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries
remains consistently higher than normal. Blood pressure is created when the
heart pumps blood through the circulatory system. It is recorded as two numbers:
systolic pressure, which measures the force when the heart contracts, and
diastolic pressure, which measures the force when the heart relaxes between
beats. A reading persistently at or above 140/90 mmHg has traditionally been
considered hypertension worldwide, although some modern guidelines, such as
those from the American Heart Association, define it as 130/80 mmHg or
higher. The World Health Organization recognizes hypertension as one of the
leading causes of premature death globally.
To understand hypertension, it helps to understand how blood circulation works.
In 1628, William Harvey published his work describing how the heart pumps
blood in a continuous circuit throughout the body. This discovery laid the
foundation for understanding that pressure must exist within blood vessels.
However, even long before Harvey, ancient physicians such
as Hippocrates observed differences in pulse quality and linked certain
symptoms like stroke to bodily imbalances, though they had no concept of
measurable blood pressure. For centuries, there was no method to directly
measure arterial pressure.
The first actual measurement of blood pressure occurred in 1733, when Stephen
Hales inserted a glass tube into the artery of a horse and observed how high the
blood rose in the tube. This invasive experiment demonstrated that blood
exerted measurable force against vessel walls. Although groundbreaking, it was
not suitable for human use. The development of practical blood pressure
measurement came much later. In 1896, Scipione Riva-Rocci invented the cuff-
based sphygmomanometer, which allowed non-invasive estimation of systolic
pressure. A few years later, in 1905, Nikolai Korotkoff discovered the sounds
heard through a stethoscope while the cuff deflates, enabling doctors to measure
both systolic and diastolic pressures accurately. This method remains the basis
of modern blood pressure measurement.
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In the early 20th century, many physicians believed that elevated blood pressure
was a normal adaptation to aging and even considered it beneficial for
maintaining organ perfusion. It was often labeled “essential hypertension,”
meaning it had no identifiable cause. However, long-term observational
research began to challenge this belief. A major turning point came with the
launch of the Framingham Heart Study in 1948, which followed thousands of
participants over decades and clearly demonstrated that high blood pressure
significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and kidney
damage. This evidence transformed hypertension from a seemingly benign
condition into a major public health concern.
Symptoms
Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because most individuals
experience no noticeable symptoms until serious complications develop. Over
time, persistently high pressure damages the inner lining of arteries, accelerates
atherosclerosis (plaque buildup), thickens the heart muscle, and weakens blood
vessels. This can result in heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, kidney failure, and
vision loss. In severe cases, symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, shortness
of breath, or nosebleeds may occur, but these usually indicate advanced or
dangerously high levels..
Risk factors
There are two primary forms of hypertension. Primary (or essential)
hypertension accounts for about 90–95% of cases and develops gradually due to
a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Secondary
hypertension results from identifiable causes such as kidney disease, hormonal
disorders, certain medications, or pregnancy-related conditions. Risk factors for
developing hypertension include increasing age, family history, obesity, high
salt intake, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking,
and chronic stress.
Treatment
Treatment evolved significantly during the mid-20th century. Early
management options were limited and sometimes extreme, including strict
sodium restriction or even surgical procedures to cut sympathetic nerves. The
1950s saw the introduction of effective diuretic medications, followed by beta-
blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor
blockers. These drug classes target different mechanisms that regulate blood
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pressure, such as fluid balance, vascular tone, and hormonal control systems
like the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Modern treatment typically
combines lifestyle changes—such as reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy
weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol—with one
or more medications tailored to the patient’s needs.
Hypertension in modern day life
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most common chronic diseases
in modern life and a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
According to the World Health Organization, over one billion people worldwide
are affected. It is often called a “silent” condition because it usually has no clear
symptoms until serious complications occur.
Modern lifestyles strongly contribute to hypertension. Sedentary behavior,
processed and high-salt diets, obesity, chronic stress, lack of sleep, smoking,
and excessive alcohol use all increase blood pressure. Urbanization and fast-
paced living have made these risk factors more common, even among younger
people.
Today, organizations such as the American Heart Association promote early
detection through regular screening. Treatment includes lifestyle changes—like
healthier eating, exercise, stress management, and quitting smoking—and, when
necessary, long-term medication. Today, hypertension affects over one billion
people worldwide and remains one of the most significant modifiable risk
factors for cardiovascular disease. Global health organizations emphasize early
detection through regular screening, since many individuals are unaware they
have the condition. Advances in research continue to refine treatment guidelines
and improve understanding of how genetics, inflammation, kidney function, and
vascular biology contribute to elevated blood pressure. Despite major progress
since the early experimental measurements of the 18th century, hypertension
remains a complex, lifelong condition requiring ongoing management and
public health attention.
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Nutritional Epidemiology of Hypertension
Nutritional epidemiology is the branch of epidemiology that studies the
relationship between diet and health outcomes in populations.
When applied to hypertension, it examines how dietary patterns, nutrients, and
eating behaviors influence the development, prevalence, prevention, and control
of high blood pressure
Survey is a method of collecting information from a group of people
by asking them questions.
Objectives of a Survey
1. To gather information – Collect opinions, experiences, or facts.
2. To understand trends – Identify patterns or common issues.
3. To support decision-making – Help organizations or
researchers make informed choices.
4. To test assumptions – Check whether a belief or hypothesis is
true.
Purpose of a Survey
To obtain accurate and real-world data
To represent the views of a larger group
To provide evidence for research or planning
A report is a structured document that presents information clearly.
Objectives of a Report
1. To present findings – Share results from research or surveys.
2. To analyze information – Explain what the data means.
3. To provide recommendations – Suggest solutions or actions.
4. To maintain records – Keep official documentation.
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Purpose of a Report
To communicate information clearly and formally
To support decisions with evidence
To document research or project outcomes
Conclusion:
The purpose of this survey is to assess the nutritional
awareness and dietary practices of the selected population in
order to identify the improvement needed and promote
healthy lifestyle practices.
Methodology
It is the systematic approach or overall strategy used to
conduct research, solve a problem, or complete a project. It
explains how something is done and why specific methods are
chosen.
Study design
it is a cross sectional study design
- conducted at civil hospital sialkot
- conducted on 4th february 2026 (11-1pm)
Data Collection Method
Questionnaire Survey
A questionnaire survey is a way of gathering data by giving
people a list of questions to answer.
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Participants
How many participants
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Participants selection criteria
Adults aged above 25 were included
Patients who had hypertension were included only
Patients who were willing to give us information were only
included
. People who were not willing or seriously ill were excluded
Data Analysis
Percentage method
The percentage method in a survey is a way of
analyzing data by converting responses into percentages
to make them easier to understand and compare.
Percentage= Number of responses/ Total responses x100
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