Causes of Hypertension in Kenya, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Introduction

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is one of the leading causes of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure worldwide. In Kenya, the burden of hypertension has been steadily rising, fueled by changing lifestyles, poor dietary habits, urbanization, and low public awareness.
According to the Kenya STEPwise survey, an alarming 24% of adults in Kenya have high blood pressure — many of them unaware of their condition until it causes serious health complications.

Hypertension is often called a “silent killer” because it can develop without noticeable symptoms for years. By the time it is diagnosed, damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, or eyes may have already occurred.
In this article, we explore the causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hypertension in Kenya, while linking it to other health conditions that may be connected, such as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Gastric Cancer, and Tuberculosis.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:

• Systolic pressure (the top number) – pressure when the heart pumps blood
• Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) – pressure when the heart rests between beats

A normal reading is less than 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is consistently 140/90 mmHg or higher.

Types of Hypertension

1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension
   • Develops gradually over many years without a specific cause
   • Linked to age, lifestyle, and genetic factors
2. Secondary Hypertension
   • Caused by another medical condition or medication
   • Examples: Kidney disease (see our CKD article), hormonal disorders, certain birth control pills, or sleep apnea

Causes and Risk Factors of Hypertension in Kenya

Hypertension is influenced by a combination of lifestyle choices, genetics, and environmental factors. The most common risk factors include:

• Unhealthy diet (high salt, low fruits and vegetables)
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Chronic stress
• Family history of hypertension
• Chronic illnesses such as diabetes and kidney disease

In Kenya, urbanization has led to a shift towards processed foods, sugary drinks, and sedentary lifestyles — increasing the prevalence of hypertension.

Symptoms of Hypertension

Most people with hypertension do not have symptoms until the condition becomes severe.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Persistent headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Fatigue

These symptoms can also be signs of complications such as stroke or chronic kidney disease.

Diagnosis of Hypertension

Diagnosis involves repeated blood pressure measurements using a sphygmomanometer.
Your doctor may also request:

• Blood tests (to check cholesterol, kidney function, and blood sugar)
• Urinalysis (to detect kidney problems)
• ECG or echocardiogram (to check heart health)

Complications of Untreated Hypertension

If left unmanaged, hypertension can cause:

1. Heart Disease – heart attack, heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy
2. Stroke – due to blocked or ruptured brain arteries
3. Kidney Damage – leading to CKD
4. Eye Damage – hypertensive retinopathy
5. Aneurysms – abnormal bulges in blood vessel walls

Treatment of Hypertension in Kenya

Hypertension treatment focuses on lifestyle changes and medications.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Reduce salt intake – WHO recommends less than 5g per day
• Eat more fruits and vegetables
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly – at least 150 minutes per week
• Limit alcohol
• Quit smoking
• Manage stress – through yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques

Medications

Doctors may prescribe:

• Diuretics – help eliminate excess sodium and water
• ACE inhibitors – relax blood vessels
• Calcium channel blockers – prevent calcium from entering heart cells
• Beta-blockers – slow heart rate

Medication choice depends on age, race, and co-existing conditions such as CKD or diabetes.

Prevention of Hypertension

• Adopt a DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
• Maintain regular health check-ups
• Control other conditions such as diabetes and tuberculosis
• Avoid self-medication without a doctor’s advice

Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease

There is a two-way relationship between hypertension and chronic kidney disease:

• High blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time
• Damaged kidneys can raise blood pressure by affecting fluid balance

This makes blood pressure control essential in preventing kidney failure and the need for dialysis or transplant.

Public Awareness and Screening in Kenya

Unfortunately, many Kenyans do not get their blood pressure checked regularly. Public awareness campaigns, free screening programs, and community health outreach can help reduce the burden of hypertension.

Final Thoughts

Hypertension in Kenya is a growing public health concern. With lifestyle changes, early detection, and consistent treatment, most people can control their blood pressure and avoid serious complications.
As we have seen, hypertension is linked to many other health issues, including chronic kidney disease, gastric cancer, and tuberculosis. Awareness and preventive action are key to reducing its impact in Kenya.