Hypertension
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Background of the Study
As of 2001, the Philippines had a total of 41,380 cases of hypertension-related deaths without heart involvement at a rate of 56.6/100,000 populations, while the number of hypertension-related deaths due to heart involvement was 55,830 at a rate of 76.3/100,000 populations. (Health Intelligence Service {DOH}, 2001). Based on these figures, the number of deaths may steadily increase and pharmacological treatment would no longer be enough to check it, therefore, other strategies are required to quell the rising trend.
Hypertension, when left untreated increases the risk of mortality and complications such as severe heart diseases, stroke, neuropathy, and nephropathy. The decision to label a person hypertensive and begin treatment involves assumptions of the role of a patient, changes in lifestyle, risks for side effects of drug regimen, possible interference with quality of life and financial costs. Kaplan (2000)
Recent investigations have proven that whatever is smelled has a profound effect on our mental states. Aromatherapy as being advocated as "scented medicine," believes that the use of essential oils is helpful in lowering states of depression, anxiety, stress and high blood pressure. In the world of scents, they are called hypo tensors, thus decreasing high blood pressure. It could also be used as a pain relief, treatment for inflammation, insect bites, rheumatism, colds, nausea and even cancer depending on the essential oil used. Mallari (2000)
The coming of the millennium paved way to the development of different alternative medicines. One of these is aromatherapy w/c is used in many spa and massage centers in the country.
The mounting prevalence of hypertension in the Philippines is the main reason of the researchers in making this study. The main thrust of the researchers is to determine if...
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