“High Blood Pressure Affects Nearly One-Third of Population”
May 17th Marks World Hypertension Day to Raise Awareness and Early Diagnosis
Every year on May 17th, the world observes “World Hypertension Day” to raise awareness about hypertension and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis. Hypertension, which is one of the most common chronic diseases globally, is defined as blood pressure in the veins that is above the normal range. According to the World Health Organization, this condition is seen in about 3 out of 10 people worldwide.
The theme for this year’s World Hypertension Day is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Regularly, Live Longer”. Undiagnosed and untreated hypertension can cause permanent damage to the kidneys, brain, cardiovascular system, and is therefore a global public health problem.
Some of the most common symptoms of hypertension include dizziness, headache, heart pain, tinnitus, shortness of breath, double or blurred vision, nosebleeds, and irregular heartbeats. Obesity, smoking and alcohol use, stress, insufficient physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, excessive salt use, diabetes, and old age are among the most critical causes of hypertension.
As one of the preventable and treatable diseases, hypertension should be followed up by a physician, and healthy adults over the age of eighteen are recommended to have their blood pressure measured at least once a year. Adults diagnosed with hypertension should have their blood pressure consistently measured at every examination.
If left untreated, high blood pressure can cause blindness, stroke, heart attack, heart disease, kidney failure, impaired consciousness, and aneurysms in the vessels. Although high blood pressure can develop in children for various reasons, from the age of three onwards, they should have their blood pressure measured in all examinations.
It is strongly held that high blood pressure can be controlled by avoiding tobacco and alcohol use, adhering to a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, reducing salt consumption, and eliminating factors such as overweight or obesity. If these measures are not sufficient, medication should be initiated under the control of a physician, and regular blood pressure examinations and tests should be conducted, with drugs used at the recommended dose and time without interruption.
According to Cardiology Specialist Professor Dr. Hüseyin Bozbaş, if high blood pressure is left untreated for years, it can gradually cause damage to the inner layer of arteries. High blood pressure usually does not cause any complaints in patients, and it can even be described as a ‘silent killer’.
Bozbaş further highlighted the fact that hypertension is a common disease among the adult population, present in roughly 35%of adults. The occurrence of hypertension significantly increases with advancing age. According to him, hypertension is seen in 50% of those over 50 years old and 60% of those over 60 years old.
Therefore we must strive to increase movement, use medication, and reduce salt consumption to effectively treat the condition and eliminate its associated risks. Early diagnosis and control of hypertension will undoubtedly contribute to a healthier and longer life.
