According to a recent report published by the World Health Organization (WHO), high blood pressure has been identified as one of the leading risk factors for death and disability worldwide. The report highlights the dangerous effects of hypertension and reveals that it affects approximately one in three adults around the globe, with a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher.
Hypertension is known to lead to other serious health problems such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney damage. To combat this growing issue, WHO recommends the implementation of comprehensive national hypertension treatment programs. The report cites countries like Canada and South Korea as examples of success, as they have achieved over 50% blood pressure control in adults with hypertension.
Preventative measures to address hypertension include adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and engaging in regular exercise. Additionally, reducing daily sodium intake is crucial to prevent heart attacks and strokes, as most individuals consume more sodium than the recommended amount.
In 2013, all 194 WHO member countries committed to reducing sodium intake by 30% by 2025. However, only 5% of these countries have implemented comprehensive sodium-reduction policies so far.
The United States, in particular, faces a high prevalence of hypertension, affecting approximately 32% of people aged 30 to 79. The report estimates that effective control of hypertension could prevent as many as 1.2 million deaths in the US by 2040. To achieve a 50% control rate, approximately 693,000 more people with hypertension in the US need to receive effective treatment.
It is worth noting that high blood pressure is responsible for most deaths from strokes and heart attacks, with over 1,000 people dying every hour around the world. Furthermore, hypertension and its complications create significant financial burdens for patients, healthcare systems, and national economies.
The report concludes that providing quality hypertension care is affordable and strengthens primary healthcare systems. However, the challenge lies in reaching the population and encouraging governments to prioritize prevention and treatment. Through a concerted effort, it is hoped that the global impact of high blood pressure can be mitigated, saving countless lives and reducing the burden on healthcare systems and economies.
