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Treating High Blood Pressure Can Save 76 Million Lives In 30 Years, WHO Says
Adequately treating high blood pressure, or hypertension, would save 76 million lives between this year and 2050, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). About 1 in 3 adults around the world have this condition, which can lead to stroke, heart attack and failure, kidney damage, and other health problems. And the majority of those with hypertension—about 4 out of every 5 people—are not treated through timely diagnosis, lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of all three, according to the first-of-its-kind report.
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Although low-cost medications such as amlodipine or losartan can control high blood pressure, it's still responsible for roughly 10 million deaths per year. "Hypertension control programs remain neglected, under-prioritized, and vastly underfunded," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said in a news release accompanying the report. This report, released during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, is WHO's first on the global impact of high blood pressure.
"Strengthening hypertension control must be part of every country's journey towards universal health coverage, based on well-functioning, equitable and resilient health systems, built on a foundation of primary health care," Ghebreyesus added.
More than half of those with hypertension, defined as a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg, don't know they have it. During a standard check-up in a doctor's office, a blood pressure test measures the pressure in a patient's arteries when their heart beats (which is the first number in a reading) and when the heart rests (the second number.) Increasing access to healthcare could help increase diagnosis and get effective treatments to those in need. Medication can help lower high blood pressure; those taking drugs prescribed for hypertension doubled between 1990 and 2019.
"Treating hypertension through primary health care will save lives, while also saving billions of dollars a year," said Michael R. Bloomberg, a WHO ambassador and former New York City mayor, in a statement. In addition to proper screening, preventative measures include eating a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, regular exercise, and weight management.
Governments also have a critical role in keeping their citizens healthy and blood pressures normal. According to WHO's report, South Korea and Canada have delivered comprehensive national hypertension treatment programs with positive results. Both nations have surpassed the 50 percent mark for controlling blood pressure in adults with hypertension. Additionally, more than 40 low- and middle-income countries have used WHO's HEART'S package to strengthen their nations' hypertension and cardiovascular care. Through the program, which does what in a phrase, more than 17 million people in countries including Bangladesh, Cuba, India, and Sri Lanka, have been enrolled in hypertension treatment programs.
[Related: Reducing sodium in packaged foods could reduce disease and save lives.]
One focus of programs to avoid high blood pressure is to reduce daily sodium intake. "Most heart attacks and strokes in the world today can be prevented with affordable, safe, accessible medicines and other interventions, such as sodium reduction," Bloomberg added.
The daily recommended amount of sodium varies between countries, but WHO recommends less than 2,000 milligrams a day. However, the organization estimates that the global average is more than twice that amount. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an intake of less than 2,300 mg of sodium a day. Americans consume over 3,400 mg of sodium daily on average, and hypertension affects roughly about 32 percent of Americans ages 30 to 79.
"It's great to see the WHO taking this issue head-on. Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death worldwide and hypertension is a major driver of those deaths," says primary care physician Nate Favini, the chief medical officer of Forward, a preventative healthcare startup uses a doctor-led 12 week program and at-home biometric monitoring to help patients manage their blood pressure.
WHO Report Says Proper Treatment For Hypertension Can Prevent 76 Mn Global Deaths: Learn How To Manage It
A recent report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) sheds light on the extensive global impact of high blood pressure, a silent but devastating health threat. The report unveils a troubling statistic: 4 out of 5 individuals suffering from hypertension do not receive adequate treatment. However, the data suggests that by expanding coverage, countries have the potential to prevent a staggering 76 million deaths between 2023-2050.
Complications Due To HypertensionThe report highlighted that hypertension, which afflicts one in every three adults worldwide, is a pervasive and life-threatening ailment. It can lead to serious health complications such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, and various other health issues.
The report also stated that the count of individuals dealing with hypertension experienced a twofold surge, surging from 650 million to 1.3 billion between 1990-2019. Alarmingly, almost 50% of individuals worldwide afflicted by hypertension remain oblivious to their condition. While factors like genetics and age can elevate the risk of developing high blood pressure, lifestyle choices such as consuming a high-salt diet, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption also contribute to hypertension.
We spoke to our expert Dr Preet Pal Thakur, Co-Founder, Glamyo Health, who explained ways to manage this condition effectively.
Dr Thakur said, "Hypertension is commonly known as the 'silent killer' since it usually remains asymptomatic until complications manifest. Many people might not realise they have elevated blood pressure, underscoring the importance of routine blood pressure checks, especially for those in higher-risk categories."
Also Read: Ashwagandha For High Blood Pressure: How To Consume It, As Per Expert
Lifestyle Modifications To Manage HypertensionDr Thakur listed lifestyle modifications you must follow to manage hypertension as follows:
Staying physically active is essential for maintaining optimal health. Engaging in regular exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling, helps maintain a healthy weight and promotes cardiovascular fitness.
Maintain a Balanced DietIt is also important to maintain a balanced diet to keep your blood pressure levels in check. Hence, adopt a diet that contains fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products to lower your blood pressure.
Quit SmokingSmoking damages blood vessels and contributes to the development of hypertension. Quitting smoking not only reduces your risk of high blood pressure but also offers numerous other health benefits.
Reduce Sodium IntakeHigh sodium (salt) consumption is linked to elevated blood pressure. To reduce your sodium intake, avoid processed foods, limit the use of table salt, and read food labels carefully to identify high-sodium products. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, limit your intake to no more than 1,500 mg each day.
Excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of hypertension. Hence, limit your alcohol intake to avoid a rise in blood pressure.
Manage StressDid you know chronic stress can lead to increased blood pressure? Hence, implement stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness practices into your daily routine.
Also Read: High Blood Pressure: Ways To Treat It Immediately At Home
Early Identification And Risk FactorsDr Thakur added, "Promoting awareness of hypertension is crucial to improve the early identification and treatment of this condition. Consistent monitoring of blood pressure is vital, especially for individuals aged 40 and older and those with recognised risk factors." Its risk factors are as follows:
[Disclaimer: This article is based on a report and contains information shared by the expert. However, we advise you to consult your expert for a treatment based on your body type and medical history.]
WHO: Proper Hypertension Treatment Could Prevent 76m Deaths By 2050
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says proper treatment of hypertension can prevent 76 million deaths by the year 2025.
The WHO, in its first-ever report on hypertension launched on Tuesday, said one in three adults suffer from hypertension worldwide, adding that four out of every five people with the condition are not adequately treated.
The organisation said nearly half of people with hypertension globally are currently unaware of their condition.
The WHO added that more than three-quarters of adults with the condition live in low- and middle-income countries.
"Older age and genetics can increase the risk of having high blood pressure, but modifiable risk factors such as eating a high-salt diet, not being physically active and drinking too much alcohol can also increase the risk of hypertension," the report reads.
"Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower blood pressure. Some people may need medicines that can control hypertension effectively and prevent related complications.
"The prevention, early detection and effective management of hypertension are among the most cost-effective interventions in health care and should be prioritized by countries as part of their national health benefit package offered at a primary care level.
"The economic benefits of improved hypertension treatment programmes outweigh the costs by about 18 to 1.
"An increase in the number of patients effectively treated for hypertension to levels observed in high-performing countries could prevent 76 million deaths, 120 million strokes, 79 million heart attacks, and 17 million cases of heart failure between now and 2050."
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said even though hypertension can be controlled with low-cost medication regimens, control programmes remain neglected, under-prioritised and vastly underfunded.
"Strengthening hypertension control must be part of every country's journey towards universal health coverage, based on well-functioning, equitable and resilient health systems, built on a foundation of primary health care," he said.
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