Problem Identification Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Problem Identification - Essay Example In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) argued that the risk of cardiovascular disease is increased by the lack of control or detection of hypertension. In that publication, W.H.O claimed that an increase in blood pressure by 20/10 mmHg from such a level as 115/75 mmHg doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease (WHO, 2011). The eighth Joint National Commission panel (JNC 8) developed an evidence-based guideline for managing high blood pressure in adults. The guideline was captured in nine recommendations. Each recommendation shows its target age bracket, strength and the treatment intervention appropriate for the said age bracket or section of the population. The aim of the current paper is to understand whether the JNC guideline can help reduce the future risk of cardiovascular disease. Rosendorff et al (2007) reckon that hypertension is a major independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. Based on JNC’s definition of hypertension as having a blood pressure of greater or equal to 140/90 mm Hg, Rosendorff et al (2007) concluded that sixty five million American adults have hypertension. This was equivalent to one fourth of the population of the United States as at 2007. The study also concluded that one fourth of the population of the United States was in prehypertension stage that the JNC stipulated as systolic blood pressure of between 120 and 139 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure ranging between 80 and 89 mm Hg (Rosendorff et. al., 2007). Rosendorff et al (2007) noted that blood pressure is strongly related to age but that the relationship is complicated. As one progresses through life up to age fifty, the systolic blood pressure rises in line with diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure continues rising after fifty years of age but diastolic blood pressure starts decelerating. According to their study, more than half of the American population above