FROM COLLAPSE TO CARE: ANALYZING OUT-OF-HOSPITAL CARDIAC ARREST AND EMERGENCY RESUSCITATION OUTCOMES IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL SETTING

Introduction: Deregulated blood pressure becomes the most concerned issue in Pakistan, Asia and responsible for heart stroke, failures and other cardiovascular diseases. Normal blood pressure considers by clinicians worldwide is >120/80 mm Hg and any value between <130-140 mm Hg systolic and <80-90 mm Hg diastolic shows hypertension. To control blood pressure, medication and sometime invasive treatments are basic requirements, but by using non-pharmacological measures and changes in lifestyle gives great relief in hypertensive patients.  By educating hypertensive patients to adapt healthy lifestyle and eating habits alongwith taking medicines and regular visits to healthcare favors the reduction of blood pressure levels and contributes to the prevention of complications. Materials and Methods: Randomized clinical trial was conducted at a tertiary care Cardiac Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. About 150 hypertensive patients were enrolled in the study that are getting treatment and divided randomly into intervention and control groups. Pre-test post-test method was used to analyze self-knowledge and blood pressure changes. Results: By educating intervention group participants, the knowledge level of participants was significantly improved showing post intervention values i.e., p=0.00. This resulted in significant control of blood pressure in the intervention group (i.e., p=0.00). Conclusion: The importance of patient’s education is proved by imparting education regarding compliance of medication and adoption of non-pharmacological measures for better blood pressure control. Nurses should get engage in health education and awareness programs to meet the needs of the people for increased adherence to their medication and treatment regimens. Recommendations from this study will assist policy makers and healthcare professionals in developing relevant and context-specific policies that can improve hypertension management.