In a new report, the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that high blood pressure is a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risk of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. It is estimated that 1.28 billion adults between the ages of 30 and 79 worldwide have high blood pressure. Most (one third) of them live in low- and middle-income countries
The importance of treating blood pressure
An estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware they have the condition, and less than half (42%) adults with hypertension are diagnosed and treated, nearly 1 in 5 adults (21%) with hypertension under Control, high blood pressure is the leading cause of premature death worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization, one of the global goals for noncommunicable diseases is to reduce the prevalence of high blood pressure by 33% between 2010 and 2030.
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s. What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is responsible for circulating blood on the walls of the body’s arteries, which are the main blood vessels in the body. High blood pressure occurs when blood pressure is too high.
Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first number (systolic) represents the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second number (diastolic) represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats.
High blood pressure is diagnosed if systolic blood pressure readings on both days are 140 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure readings on both days is 90 mmHg..
s. What are the risk factors for high blood pressure?
Modifiable risk factors include unhealthy diets (excessive consumption of salt, diet high in saturated and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables), lack of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and being overweight or obese..
Non-modifiable risk factors include a family history of high blood pressure, age over 65, and co-existing diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease..
s. What are the common symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure called the ‘silent killer’ Most people with high blood pressure don’t realize this problem because they may not have warning signs or symptoms. Nose, irregular heartbeat, vision changes, ringing in the ears, severe high blood pressure can cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors.
The only way to detect high blood pressure is for a health professional to measure blood pressure. Blood pressure measurement is quick and painless Although individuals can measure blood pressure using automated devices, evaluation by a health professional is important to assess the risks and conditions associated with it..
Q&A about high blood pressure
s. What are the complications of uncontrolled high blood pressure?
Among other complications, high blood pressure can cause severe damage to the heart. Excessive pressure can lead to atherosclerosis, reducing blood and oxygen flow to the heart.
This high pressure and decreased blood flow can lead to:
1. Chest pain, also called angina.
2. Heart attack, which occurs when blood supply to the heart is blocked and heart muscle cells die from lack of oxygen, and the longer the blockage of blood flow, the more damage to the heart.
3. Heart failure, which occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to other vital organs of the body, an irregular heartbeat that can lead to sudden death.
4. High blood pressure can also burst or block the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain, causing a stroke..
In addition, high blood pressure can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
s. Why is high blood pressure an important issue in low- and middle-income countries?
The prevalence of hypertension varies across regions and income groups in countries, the WHO African Region has the highest prevalence of hypertension (27%) while the WHO Region of the Americas has the lowest prevalence of hypertension 18%.
The number of adults with hypertension increased from 594 million in 1975 to 1.13 billion in 2015, with the increase largely seen in low- and middle-income countries, mainly due to higher risk factors for hypertension in this population.
Q. How can the burden of high blood pressure be reduced?
Lowering blood pressure reduces heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage, and other health problems.
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s. How to protect yourself from high blood pressure?
Reducing salt intake (to less than 5 grams per day), eating more fruits and vegetables, being physically active on a regular basis, avoiding tobacco use, reducing alcohol consumption, limiting the intake of foods rich in saturated fat, eliminating or reducing trans fats in the system Diet, reduce and manage stress, measure blood pressure regularly, treat high blood pressure.
s. What is the WHO response?
World Health Organization (WHO) Supporting countries to reduce high blood pressure as a public health problem In 2021, the World Health Organization issued new guidelines on the pharmacological treatment of high blood pressure in adults The publication provides evidence-based recommendations for initiation of treatment for high blood pressure, and recommended periods for follow-up The document also includes the target blood pressure to be achieved for control, and information about who can start treatment in the health care system.
To support governments in strengthening the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases, the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, including the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention, launched(CDC) The Global Hearts Initiative in September 2016, which includes a package of guidance on “healthy lifestyle, evidence-based treatment protocols, access to essential drugs and technology, risk-based management, team-based care, and monitoring systems” to improve cardiovascular health across the board. countries around the world.