More than one in three adults worldwide has high blood pressure. On the occasion of the World Day of Health April 7, 2013, the World Health Organisation will remind everybody that high blood pressure can be prevented and treated.
Many people are unaware that they have high blood pressure because this silent disease does not always have symptoms. However, in the world, more than one in three adults has high blood pressure. A proportion that increases with age: 10% between 20 and 39 years and 50% between 50 and 59 years.
The highest prevalence in adults is observed in some low-income African countries where it often exceeds 40% of the population, according to WHO estimates. In addition, the disease is responsible for about half of the deaths from stroke and heart disease. On the occasion of the World Day of Health April 7, 2013, which will be devoted to the theme of high blood pressure, WHO notes that this disease can be prevented and treated.
Thus, in some developed countries, intensive efforts for the prevention and treatment of hypertension have reduced mortality. So how to protect against this disease? The organization stresses that it is possible, for example by reducing salt intake, and a balanced eating. People should also avoid alcohol and tobacco, but also exercise regularly, according to WHO.
Therefore, to improve screening and encourage healthy behaviors, the health authority will establish soon a campaign which will aim to raise awareness of the causes and consequences of hypertension and encouraging adults to regularly check their blood pressure. Indeed, in developing countries, many people are not diagnosed with hypertension and therefore do not benefit from treatment that could significantly reduce the risk of death or disability from heart disease or stroke. As a result, there are still more than nine million deaths per year in the world that might be caused by hypertension. A number that WHO hopes to bring down.
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