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A population-based survey of adults in Northern Ireland was conducted on the awareness of hypertension (high blood pressure) and of measures of prevention. Almost all subjects (92 per cent) had had their blood pressure checked, most within the last five years. The majority were aware that high blood pressure is detrimental to health, but there was a low awareness of measures of prevention. Of those reporting high blood pressure, less than half recalled being given advice on lifestyle changes, and many chose medication rather than lifestyle modification as being most likely to lower it. Increasing public awareness of the relationship between hypertension and lifestyle is indicated, possibly best delivered through primary care professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A population-based survey of adults in Northern Ireland was conducted on the awareness of hypertension (high blood pressure) and of measures of pre vention. Almost all subjects (92 per cent) had had their blood pressure checked, most within the last five years. The majority were aware that high blood pressure is detrimental to health, but there was a low awareness of measures of prevention. Of those reporting high blood pressure, less than half recalled being given advice on lifestyle changes, and many chose medication rather than lifestyle modification as being most likely to lower it. Increasing public awareness of the relationship between hypertension and lifestyle is indicated, possibly best delivered through primary care professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Insufficient milk syndrome is defined as failure to thrive in infants due to insufficient daily breastmilk intake. This discussion examines a possible association between insufficient milk syndrome and maternal postpartum hemorrhage. Ten consecutive cases of insufficient milk syndrome associated with maternal postpartum hemorrhage were identified. The mothers presented between 3 and 35 days postpartum. Maternal postpartum blood loss ranged from 500-1500 ml in eight cases (mean: 963 ml); in two cases, blood loss was noted as 400++ and 200++, respectively. Six mothers experienced a drop of hemoglobin by >30g/L; two had a drop in blood pressure >30mmHg for >20 minutes. All infants were failing to thrive. Five infants suffered hypernatremic dehydration with serum sodium levels ranging from 148-166mmolL. Breastmilk electrolytes were measured in six cases, and elevated sodium levels, ranging from 21-lOOmmol/L, in five cases. These data serve to heighten awareness of insufficient milk syndrome as a potential consequence of postpartum hemorrhage. Early postpartum review of all breastfeeding mothers and infants is strongly encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]