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The 17th May World Hypertension Day
World Hypertension Day is a day initiated by the World Hypertension League, an umbrella organization of 85 national hypertension societies. On World Hypertension Day, celebrated on May 17 every year, activities are carried out to raise awareness of hypertension in the society.
What is Hypertension?
Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by the blood circulating in the arteries on the artery walls. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a condition in which the pressure in the blood vessels is elevated. The higher the pressure, the harder it is for the heart to pump blood. Hypertension is a serious and medical problem that significantly increases the risk of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases.
Hypertension in Global Dimension
- It is estimated that 1.13 billion people worldwide have hypertension.
- As of 2015, 1 out of every 4 men and 1 out of every 5 women have hypertension.
- Only 1 out of 5 people with hypertension has blood pressure under control.
- 2/3 of individuals with hypertension live in low- and middle-income countries.
- Hypertension, which is one of the main causes of premature (before the age of 60) deaths in the world, is responsible for the deaths of 9.4 million people every year.
- High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Hypertension is responsible for at least 45% of deaths due to heart disease and 51% of deaths due to coronary heart disease.
Hypertension in Turkey
- Based on the population-based surveys, there was a decreasing trend in prevalent hypertension from 1998 to 2010.
- Approximately one-third of women and half of the men were unaware of hypertension, 83.4% of those with known hypertension were under treatment, and 47% of them were uncontrolled in 2010.
- 66% of the population aged 65+ years had hypertension in 2010.
- The estimated hypertension prevalence is increased from 27.1% in 2010 to 29.6% in 2020.
- Hypertension is expected to reach 30.4% in 2023 and 36% in 2045.
What are the Risk Factors of Hypertension?
Unhealthy diet (excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, and low fruit and vegetable intake, etc.), physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and being overweight or obese are the modifiable risk factors of hypertension.
A family history of hypertension, being 65 years of age or older, and having concomitant diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease are non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension.
High sodium consumption (>2 grams/day, equivalent to 1 teaspoon or 5 grams of salt per day) and insufficient potassium intake (<3.5 grams/day) contribute to high blood pressure. This increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
What are the Most Common Symptoms of Hypertension?
Most people with hypertension are not aware of this problem; because hypertension may have no warning signs or symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to measure blood pressure regularly.
Patients may complain of early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythm, changes in vision, and buzzing in the ears.
In addition, severe hypertension can cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, and muscle fasciculations.
What Are the Complications of Uncontrolled Hypertension?
Among other complications, hypertension can cause serious damage to the heart and kidneys. High blood pressure threatens the arteries, reducing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. High pressure and decreased blood flow may cause;
- Chest pain (angina pectoris)
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Heart failure
- Sudden death due to rhythm disorder
How Can Hypertension Be Prevented?
- To prevent hypertension, the following recommendations should be considered;
- Reducing salt intake (<5 gram/day)
- Consuming more fruits and vegetables
- Regular physical activity
- Avoiding the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Limiting the intake of foods high in saturated fat and eliminating trans fat intake
For the good management of hypertension, the following measures are necessary;
- Reducing and treating mental stress
- Measuring blood pressure at regular intervals
- Treating high blood pressure
- Controlling other diseases accompanying hypertension