Early detection of hypertension during antenatal care in maternal & child health centers in Zagazig city

hypertension is one of the most important disorders that affecting maternal and fetal health, sometimes with life threatening consequences. It remains one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries.Hypertension complicates approximately 7-10% of all pregnancies. Chronic hypertension accounts for about 20% of these cases .In Egypt, hypertension is a major health problem with prevalence rate of 26.3% among adult population. Its prevalence increases with aging, approximately 50% of Egyptian people who are above the age of sixty years suffering from hypertension. It is a genetic disorder occurring as a result of several environmental and genetic factors. Hypertension is defined as an increase in the blood pressure measurement equal or above 140/90 mmHg .The risk of hypertension includes renal diseases and cardiovascular complications such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, and cerebrovascular ischemic attacks. These risks can be reversed by treatment and control of hypertension.The aim of this study is to improve the health status of the pregnant women and their infants and reduce morbidity and mortality rates.