BLOOD PRESSURE VARIATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH AGEING IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Authors

  • Kartheek R. Balapala Physiological Sciences Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
  • Victor Mwanakasale Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
  • Lawson F. Simapuka Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Texila American University, Lusaka, Zambia
  • Ngala E. Mbiydzenyuy Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejphs.v6i1.138

Keywords:

blood pressure, ageing, orthostatic hypotension, symptoms

Abstract

Elderly persons who live in communities and appear to be in good health frequently experience postural hypotension, which is frequently asymptomatic. Uncertainty exists regarding the relationship between postural changes in blood pressure and numerical factors including age, gender, and body mass index. The goal of the current study is to identify the orthostatic blood pressure (OBP) changing patterns, symptoms, and related factors in various age groups. In this study, sixty participants ranging in age from 20 to 75 years old were used. To check for orthostatic hypotension in these groups, various blood pressure readings are taken in the lying and standing positions at intervals of one minute and three minutes. The findings demonstrated that in the elderly groups, symptoms of headache, blurred vision, dizziness, and lightheadedness were unrelated to orthostatic hypotension. These subjects' Body Mass Indexes were calculated based on their nutritional condition, and they were found to be 60% well-nourished, 6% under-nourished, and 34% overweight. The elderly person had systolic hypotension (P<0.01) more frequently than diastolic hypotension (P>0.05). In the senior group, standing hypotension was equally common in both sexes. BMI declines with aging in males as well, n=60. In all four groups, heart rate readings in the standing position were greater than the supine measurement. In the older population of Ndola which was the subject group of the study, 16.7% had OH. Age and the decline in diastolic blood pressure after three minutes of standing were positively correlated in all males. In all females, a positive link was seen between body mass index and a reduction in diastolic blood pressure after three minutes of standing. After 3 minutes of standing, all males showed a positive link between body mass index and a decrease in systolic blood pressure. Therefore, there is a link between body mass index and a drop in blood pressure readings when standing. On the basis of the current study, we draw the conclusion that orthostatic hypotension rises with age and that symptoms are unrelated to physical measurements.

Author Biographies

  • Kartheek R. Balapala, Physiological Sciences Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia

    Dr. Kartheek R. Balapala is a unique medical scholar at Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia. His research interests span postural changes in blood pressure, and mental distress together with their impacts on human behaviour. He graduated as a medical doctor, published over 42 papers in global medical and education journals, and challenges himself to think about both sides of the scientific aphorisms. A firm believer of contemplation with academic tenacity. A renowned translational researcher, Dr. Kartheek R Balapala advocates the concept of visualization in medical sciences for better comprehension at medical institutions around the globe and serves as an Associate editor and board member for international medical research journals. He has been mentoring medical graduates, for past 18 years across globe and Africa. He published over 23 books on medical concepts in eight different languages across European Union and the globe with LAP Lambert Academic Publishers. His book on the mind mapping techniques for medical concepts based on Leonardo da Vinci’s concept of mind mapping, implied for medical students is remarkably a novel contribution to twenty first century medical knowledge. ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2405-5105

  • Victor Mwanakasale, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia

    Dr. Victor Mwanakasale is currently Professor of Basic Medical Sciences, at Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia. He is a globally renowned researcher on tropical diseases.

  • Lawson F. Simapuka, Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Texila American University, Lusaka, Zambia

    Brig Gen Dr. Lawson F. Simapuka is an experienced medical director with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital, health care industry and academics. Skilled in epidemiology, program evaluation and organizational leadership. Has made pivotal contributions to tropical medicine and clinical research.

  • Ngala E. Mbiydzenyuy, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia

    Mr. Ngala E. Mbiydzenyuy is Lecturer of physiology at Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia. Has made significant research contributions to neurosciences and medical education.

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Published

2023-01-13

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Vol. 6 No. 1 (2023)

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How to Cite

BLOOD PRESSURE VARIATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH AGEING IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA. (2023). European Journal of Public Health Studies, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.46827/ejphs.v6i1.138