The first WHO report details devastating impact of hypertension and ways to stop it.

The World Health Organization (WHO) released its first-ever report on the devastating global impact of high blood pressure, along with recommendations on the ways to win the race against this silent killer.

The report revealed that:

• About 4 out of every 5 individuals with hypertension are not receiving adequate treatment. However, if nations can enhance their coverage, it's estimated that 76 million deaths could be prevented between 2023 and 2050

• Hypertension is prevalent in 1 out of every 3 adults globally. This dangerous condition can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, kidney damage, and other health issues.

• The number of individuals with hypertension has doubled from 650 million in 1990 to 1.3 billion in 2019. Almost half of these individuals are unaware of their condition. A significant majority of adults with hypertension reside in low- and middle-income countries.

• Lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a healthier diet, quitting tobacco, and being more physically active, can help in reducing blood pressure. Some might also require medications to control hypertension effectively.

• “Hypertension can be controlled effectively with simple, low-cost medication regimens, and yet only about one in five people with hypertension have controlled it.” Said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “

• Effective treatment of hypertension on par with high-performing countries could prevent 76 million deaths, 120 million strokes, 79 million heart attacks, and 17 million cases of heart failure by 2050.

Thought-Provoking Questions/Insights:

1. With the alarming rise in the number of people with hypertension, what proactive measures can be taken at the community level to raise awareness and promote early detection?

2. Considering the significant number of individuals unaware of their hypertension status, how can regular health check-ups be encouraged, especially in low- and middle-income countries?

3. How can international collaborations be strengthened to share best practices and resources for effective hypertension management across countries?

Seeking Answers to These Pressing Questions? Dive into the full report to uncover these insights and more. Read the full report here.