​Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults, says WHO in new report​

Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults worldwide, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said in its first-ever report on high blood pressure. "This common, deadly condition leads to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, and many other health problems," the WHO has mentioned in the global report. It also says that 4 out of every 5 people with hypertension are not properly treated and the number of people living with hypertension has doubled between 1990 and 2019, from 650 million to 1.3 billion.

Hypertension is the condition where the blood pressure of the body increases to 140/90 mmHg or higher. Off late, doctors and health experts have taken cognizance of the condition and have been warning people to monitor their blood pressure if they are at a risk of developing it. "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 WHO says in its report.

Globally, in 2019, more than half of all cardiovascular deaths were attributable to high systolic blood pressure – including all deaths from hypertensive heart disease, 53% of ischaemic heart disease deaths, and 53% of stroke deaths (25). In addition, 62% of deaths from chronic kidney disease are attributed to high systolic blood pressure, the WHO says. It also highlights that 38% of the deaths due to hypertension occur in adults under the age of 70, this comprises 4 million adults.

Sodium use, alcohol consumption, tobacco intake, physical inactivity and air pollution are the top risk factors of hypertension, the WHO says. Of all the deaths from cardiovascular causes that occurred in 2019, almost 2 million were attributed to sodium consumption that results in 24-hour urinary sodium excretion above the reference level of 1 to 5 grams per day, the report adds. The report also highlights the negative impact of alcohol and tobacco use. "Tobacco caused 8.7 million deaths globally in 2019, including 3.2 million deaths from cardiovascular diseases," the report adds.

WHO has once again emphasized on the importance of physical activity on human health. "If the current prevalence of physical inactivity does not change, almost 240 million new, preventable cases of hypertension will occur globally from 2020 to 2030, which will place a burden of more than Int$ 115 billion on the public
health care system," it says.

The common symptoms associated with high blood pressure are severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision or other vision changes, and anxiety.

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"Dietary decisions are a crucial component of prevention, with an emphasis on lowering sodium intake from processed and fast foods while boosting potassium-rich foods including fruits, vegetables, and legumes," says Dr. Vipul Gupta - Chief - Neurointerventional Surgery & Co-Chief - Stroke Unit, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram. "A healthy lifestyle includes regular blood pressure checks, enough sleep, low caffeine use, drinking enough of water, and consuming fewer processed foods. People can considerably lower their chance of getting hypertension and protect their overall health by carefully following the recommendations and obtaining medical advice when necessary," he recommends.

"Hypertension, or high blood pressure, significantly impacts women, often presenting unique challenges. Women may experience specific risk factors such as hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or the use of hormonal contraceptives. These factors can elevate blood pressure levels. Additionally, stress and lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking can contribute to hypertension in women," says Dr. Vinayak Agarwal, Director, Non Invasive Cardiology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.

"During pregnancy, high blood pressure can cause complications like preeclampsia, endangering both the mother and the baby. Women with hypertension often face challenges in managing blood pressure effectively due to various factors, including hormonal fluctuations. Awareness, regular monitoring, a healthy lifestyle, and appropriate medical care are crucial for managing hypertension in women. Tailored approaches considering the specific risk factors and hormonal influences are essential for effective prevention and management of hypertension in women, promoting a healthier and longer life," the expert adds.