Intensifying efforts to improve treatment for high blood pressure is one action that could save approximately 420,000 lives annually in America. Photo: Taken from the MINSAP website.
On the eve of World Hypertension Day (May 17), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa called on countries to step up efforts to improve treatment for high blood pressure, a measure that could save about 420,000 lives a year in America.
Although high blood pressure affects 180 million people in the Region (18% of adults), “there are often no symptoms or signs and therefore often go undiagnosed or untreated,” said Dr. Barbosa during a press conference today.
“This is serious because undiagnosed and uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to myocardial infarction, heart failure or stroke,” he added.
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Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the region and is responsible for about 2 million deaths each year.
However, in America, more than a third of men and a quarter of women (ages 30 to 79) with high blood pressure are unaware they have it. And of those who know they have high blood pressure and seek treatment, only a third (36%) have it under control.
The PAHO director emphasized that countries should “accelerate efforts to expand and ensure equitable access to hypertension care” and provide training so that the latest approaches to diagnosing and treating this condition are practiced in primary care centers across America.
Among them is PAHO’s HEARTS initiative, a care model for cardiovascular risk management that is currently being implemented in approximately 3,000 clinics in the region.
The PAHO director also urged countries to implement measures to promote healthy eating, such as front-of-package warnings for processed and highly processed foods and measures to reduce salt consumption.
Ensuring that clinically validated blood pressure monitors are available in primary care is also key to accurately diagnosing and treating hypertension, added Dr. Barbosa added. However, many lack this vital equipment.
Through the PAHO Strategic Fund, a pooled procurement mechanism for essential medicines and health technologies, countries can access these devices, as well as quality-assured antihypertensive medicines at competitive prices.
To reduce and control this condition, lifestyle changes and taking medication for high blood pressure are also essential.
World Hypertension Day is celebrated on May 17 each year to raise awareness of the urgent need to promote the prevention, detection and control of hypertension. This year’s theme is: Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it and live longer.
(With information from PAHO)