In Santarém, Regional Hospital alerts for signs and care regarding hypertension

Nursing student Quézia da Silva Bento, a resident of Monte Alegre, in western Pará, was in Santarém for an appointment at the Dr. Waldemar Penna Regional Hospital of Lower Amazon (HRBA). While waiting in the outpatient clinic, she participated in an educational action on the prevention and combat of hypertension — and approved the initiative.

"It is very important. Most people are not aware of what is necessary for a healthy life. Both the doctor and the team deserve congratulations," she stated.

The activity took place this Wednesday (30), as part of the "Waiting Room" project, promoted monthly by the HRBA outpatient team. Patients and companions attended a lecture given by cardiologist João Otaviano de Matos, who addressed the signs, risk factors, and care regarding hypertension — a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure levels in the arteries, equal to or greater than 140/90 mmHg (14 by 9).

In addition to the lecture, users received informative pamphlets with prevention tips. "We advised on diet, how to reduce salt in food, avoid fatty meats and fried foods, as well as moderate the consumption of sugar, sweets, and soft drinks. Another essential measure for controlling blood pressure is regular physical activity," highlighted the cardiologist.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, hypertension affects 27.9% of the Brazilian population. Known as a "silent evil," the disease can progress without apparent symptoms, but it can also cause headaches in the neck area, dizziness, numbness in the extremities, chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath.

"In these cases, the ideal is to seek a doctor for confirmation of the diagnosis and the start of appropriate treatment," reinforced João Otaviano.

The "Waiting Room" project aims to promote health education during the waiting time for consultations and procedures in the outpatient clinic. "While patients wait, we take the opportunity to offer important health guidance, with various themes according to the campaigns of the month," explained nurse Késia Aguiar.

For the general director of HRBA, Matheus Coutinho, the specialty outpatient clinic is an ideal environment for this type of action. "We manage to reach patients and companions in a light and educational way, making the waiting time more productive and informative," he concluded.

Service: The Regional Hospital of Lower Amazon is a reference in medium and high complexity for a population of 1.4 million inhabitants, residing in 29 municipalities in the region, and provides 100% referenced service, meeting the demand originating from the State Regulation Center.

The unit, belonging to the Government of Pará, is managed by the Social Institute Mais Saúde, in partnership with the State Department of Public Health (Sespa). The hospital is located at Avenida Sérgio Henn, No. 1,100, Diamantino neighborhood, in Santarém.