Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant global health issue with several key facts, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options:?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant global health issue with several key facts, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options:

Key Facts:

1. Approximately 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension.
2. An estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware of their condition.
3. Less than half (42%) of adults with hypertension are diagnosed and treated.
4. Only about 1 in 5 adults (21%) with hypertension have their condition under control.
5. Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide.
6. One of the global targets for noncommunicable diseases is to reduce the prevalence of hypertension by 33% between 2010 and 2030.

Risk Factors:

Modifiable risk factors for hypertension include:

Unhealthy diets (excessive salt, high saturated fat and trans fat, low fruit and vegetable intake)

• a. Physical inactivity
• b. Tobacco and alcohol consumption
• c. Being overweight or obese

Non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension include:

• a. Family history of hypertension
• b. Age over 65 years
• c. Co-existing diseases like diabetes or kidney disease

Symptoms:

Most people with hypertension do not experience symptoms. Very high blood pressure can cause symptoms such as:

• a. Severe headaches
• b .Chest pain
• c. Dizziness
• d. Difficulty breathing
• e. Nausea and vomiting
• f. Blurred vision
• g. Anxiety
• h. Confusion
• i. Buzzing in the ears
• j. Nosebleeds
• k. Abnormal heart rhythm
• It's important to have your blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional to detect hypertension, as it is often asymptomatic.

Treatment:

Lifestyle changes can help lower high blood pressure and include:

• a. Eating a healthy, low-salt diet
• b. Losing weight
• c. Being physically active
• d. Quitting tobacco

In addition to lifestyle changes, doctors may recommend one or more medicines for those with high blood pressure. The recommended blood pressure goal may vary based on other health conditions.

Common blood pressure medicines include:

• a. ACE inhibitors
• b. Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs)
• c. Calcium channel blockers
• d. Diuretics

Prevention:

Preventing and managing hypertension involves lifestyle changes, including:

• a. Eating more vegetables and fruits
• b. Being physically active
• c. Maintaining a healthy weight
• d. Taking prescribed medicines as directed
• e. Reducing salt intake
• f. Avoiding saturated or trans fats
• g. Not smoking
• h. Limiting alcohol consumption

Reducing hypertension can help prevent heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage, and other health problems.

Complications of Uncontrolled Hypertension:

Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious complications, including:

• Hardened arteries, which can result in chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and heart failure
• Stroke, caused by blocked or burst blood vessels in the brain
• Kidney damage, potentially leading to kidney failure

Hypertension in Low- and Middle-Income Countries:

The prevalence of hypertension varies across regions and income groups, with the WHO African Region having the highest prevalence.

WHO Response:

The World Health Organization (WHO) supports countries in reducing hypertension as a public health problem. In 2021, WHO released guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults, and they have initiated programs such as the Global Hearts Initiative to improve cardiovascular health worldwide.

Regular monitoring of blood pressure and appropriate management of hypertension are crucial in reducing the health burden associated with this condition.