Lifestyle Modification in Prevention of Hypertension : Patient Empowerment

Abstract

Hypertension also known as high blood pressure is the elevation of pressure in the arteries. Hypertension affects about 40% adults worldwide and it’s known to be risk factors such as aging, lifestyle and medications. Lifestyle modification is the greatest tool in prevention of hypertension. The aim of this thesis is to understand the effectiveness of lifestyle modification in prevention of hypertension. The purpose of this thesis is to come up with an overall review of lifestyle modification that can be applied in prevention of hypertension. The focus is on lifestyle modification and patient empowerment through guidance and counseling. The research questions of this thesis were: How is lifestyle modification effective in prevention of hypertension? How healthcare professionals can empower patients in their own self-care? Data collection method was literature review. Inclusion and exclusion criteria was used after the key were identified, databases: Cinhall with full text, Academic search elite Ebsco (host) and Sage journals. A total of 12 articles were used Inductive content analysis was used. During analysis process, several themes were identified. These themes were divided into categories and sub categories The results of this thesis shows that risk factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet are modifiable. The results suggested that empowerment is important in motivating towards the behavior change. Lifestyle modification is the main approach in prevention of hypertension. Healthcare professionals plays an important role in promoting and facilitating behavior change.