Quarter Of South-East Asia’s Adult Population Affected By Hypertension: WHO

New Delhi: Hypertension is the single most important leading cause of cardiovascular disease mortality globally, especially in the South-East Asia Region. Since almost half of the people with hypertension in the region are unaware of their condition there is an urgent need to scale up hypertension services to prevent, detect and control hypertension, according to World Health Organisation (WHO).

According to Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region, hypertension is often called a ‘silent killer’ as many people are unaware of their problem which if left untreated, can lead to disability, poor quality of life or even a deadly heart attack or stroke. the only way to know is to get your blood pressure checked regularly. While a quarter of the adult population in the WHO South-East Asia Region has high blood pressure, only one in three are on treatment while just one in ten adults with the condition have it under control.

Modifiable risk factors for hypertension include unhealthy diets such as excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables; physical inactivity; consumption of tobacco and alcohol; and being overweight or obese. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower the risk of blood pressure.

“Hypertension disproportionately impacts low-and middle-income countries, affecting not just health but all areas of social and economic development,” Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh was quoted as saying by ANI.

Over the past five years, 10 million more people with hypertension have accessed protocol-based management, almost doubling the control rate, from 26% to 47%. Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control it, Live Longer, is the theme of this year’s World Hypertension Day which aims to raise awareness of the importance of hypertension and its serious medical complications while emphasising prevention, detection and treatment.

“Together, the achievement of these targets will significantly increase our prospect of attaining the NCD-related SDGs to reduce premature NCD mortality by one-third, and create a healthier, more equitable and sustainable South-East Asia Region for all,” Dr Khetrapal Singh added.