What is the global impact of high blood pressure according to WHO's first-ever report
WHO has released its first-ever report on the global impact of high blood pressure. It states that approximately four in every five people with high blood pressure are not treated adequately.
The global impact of high blood pressure, according to WHO's first-ever report, includes the following points:
- Prevalence: High blood pressure affects about 1.13 billion people globally, which accounts for nearly one in every four adults.
- Treatment Gap: Approximately 4 in every 5 people with high blood pressure are not receiving adequate treatment. This treatment gap is significant and needs to be addressed.
- Cardiovascular Disease: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, leading to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide.
- Economic Burden: The economic burden of high blood pressure is immense, straining healthcare systems and economies alike. It not only increases healthcare costs but also impacts productivity due to premature deaths and disabilities.
- Regional Disparities: The report highlights regional disparities in the burden and management of high blood pressure, with low- and middle-income countries facing greater challenges in access to quality healthcare.
- Preventable and Manageable: High blood pressure is largely preventable and manageable through lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use, and prompt medical interventions when necessary.
- Importance of Awareness and Treatment: Raising public awareness, improving access to treatment, and ensuring early diagnosis and management are crucial steps in reducing the burden of high blood pressure at a global scale.
Answered
a year ago