NEW YORK: A recent report released by the United Nations (UN) has brought attention to the critical issue of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, and its significant impact on global health. Often asymptomatic and insidious in nature, hypertension is ominously referred to as ‘the silent killer’ because affected individuals may not be aware of their condition.
The report reveals alarming statistics, indicating that approximately one-third of adults worldwide suffer from hypertension, with an astonishing 48% prevalence among adults in the United States alone. High blood pressure is identified as a leading contributor to both mortality and disability, significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and kidney problems. It surpasses smoking and high blood sugar as a primary global cause of death.
According to the UN report, the number of individuals grappling with hypertension has doubled from 650 million in 1990 to an astounding 1.3 billion in 2019. Equally concerning is the fact that nearly half of these individuals are unaware of their condition, underscoring the critical need for enhanced awareness and routine blood pressure screenings.
The report offers a glimpse of hope, estimating that by 2050, proactive management of high blood pressure could prevent approximately 76 million deaths, 120 million strokes, 79 million heart attacks, and 17 million cases of heart failure.
In response to these findings, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for immediate prioritization of prevention, early detection, and effective management at the primary care level. The WHO emphasizes that these efforts represent some of the most cost-effective interventions in healthcare.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, highlights the importance of strengthening hypertension control as an integral component of the journey towards universal health coverage. Such efforts should be built upon robust, equitable, and resilient health systems grounded in primary healthcare.
High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is defined as having a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher and can be categorized into primary (ageing or lifestyle-related) and secondary (resulting from existing conditions or medications). Various risk factors, including age, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, alcohol consumption, and ethnicity, contribute to the development of high blood pressure. A diet low in sodium and rich in potassium can help reduce the risk.
Fortunately, many individuals can manage their blood pressure through lifestyle modifications such as regular physical activity, a healthy diet, weight maintenance, and stress management. Medications, including diuretics and beta-blockers, can complement these efforts, aiding in blood pressure control and reducing its potentially life-threatening consequences.
