For two years, the number of cases of high blood pressure (hypertension) has continued to increase in Kisangani, according to doctors Christian Kitambala and Christian Abosa, both stationed at the Lubunga General Reference Hospital. They made this observation during a conference organized at the Saint-Joseph Artisan parish, in the Tshopo commune, under the theme: “High blood pressure in adults in Kisangani: level of control and associated factors”.
Doctor Christian Kitambala distinguished two forms of high blood pressure:
• Essential hypertension, the exact causes of which are unknown;
• Secondary high blood pressure, which results from identifiable causes, including kidney disease and certain risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
“Complications related to secondary hypertension include stroke, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease,” he explained.
For his part, Doctor Christian Abosa stressed that essential hypertension is particularly common in Kisangani, where it causes many deaths.
“Its consequences are dramatic for families and communities. It leads to human losses, considerable expenses for care, and the destabilization of many households and homes on a socio-economic level. Recovery requires strict adherence to diet and regular intake of prescribed medications,” he said.
The two doctors provided several tips for preventing high blood pressure:
• Get enough sleep;
-• Reduce salt consumption;
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco;
• Control your weight and follow a balanced diet;
• Limit the consumption of red meat;
• Eat foods rich in carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and mineral salts.
They also recommended seeking prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms such as persistent headaches, neck pain, abnormal heartbeat, or visual disturbances.
De Kisangani, Gabriel Makabu
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