Preventing and detecting high blood pressure: Scaling up efforts needed for control, says WHO

Hypertension is the most important leading cause of cardiovascular disease mortality globally and in the World Health Organization South-East Asia region. With almost half of people with high blood pressure in this region unaware of their condition, there is an urgent need to scale up hypertension services for prevention, detection and control of hypertension.

“High blood pressure is often called the ‘silent killer’ because many people are unaware of their problem, which, if left untreated, can lead to disability, poor quality of life or even a fatal heart attack or stroke,” Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region, adding that “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 only one in ten adults have the condition under control.

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

“High blood pressure disproportionately impacts low- and middle-income countries, affecting not only health but all areas of social and economic development,” said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh.

Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been a key priority in the region since 2014, with targeted efforts to tackle hypertension and control NCDs through evidence-based and cost-effective ‘best buys’ Are.

In a focused effort, all countries in the region have established baseline population salt intakes to study consumption patterns in comparison to the WHO recommended intake of less than 5 grams of salt intake per person per day.

Three countries are implementing front-of-pack labeling for consumer awareness. About 1.6 billion people are protected from the negative effects of industrially produced trans fats through legislation limiting trans fats in food. The region has seen a steep decline in tobacco use and is on track to achieve an average reduction of around 32% by 2025.

The region is prioritizing actions through the South-East Asia HEARTS initiative (SEA HEARTS), which focuses on hypertension and diabetes coverage and control through primary health care, as well as tobacco control, salt reduction and industrial trans- Attempts to eliminate fat.

Over the past five years, more than 10 million people with high blood pressure have gained access to protocol-based management, nearly 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 spread awareness about the importance of high blood pressure and its serious medical complications, with an emphasis on prevention, detection and treatment. To raise awareness in

“Together, the achievement of these targets will significantly increase our chances of achieving the NCD-related SDGs, reducing premature NCD mortality by one-third and achieving a healthier, more equitable and sustainable South-East Asia for all To make the field” Dr. Khetrapal Singh.

WHO is committed to supporting countries to accelerate progress in reducing high blood pressure as a public health problem and to ensure equitable access to high blood pressure services so that people can live healthy lives to their full potential.