Ensuring blood pressure control

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a disease in which blood flows through blood vessels at a higher than normal pressure ¹. It is a silent killer because most people are unaware they have it, and it rarely shows any warning signs.

• Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg,
• Stage 1 hypertension is blood pressure at or above 130/80 mmHg,
• Stage 2 hypertension is blood pressure at or above 140/90 mmHg ².

Facts

About 1.28 billion adults worldwide, ages 30 and 79 years (mostly from the low- and middle-income countries) have hypertension ³,⁴.

A total number of 720 million people with high blood pressure do not have it under control, as they do not receive the treatment that they need ⁵.

Having high blood pressure puts one at the risk of developing heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death.

To reduce the prevalence of hypertension amongst other non-communicable diseases is a worldwide target by year 2030 ³.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can develop high blood pressure, but some factors can increase the risk:

• Blood pressure rises with AGE
• It is common among AFRICAN AMERICAN (SKIN COLOUR)
• If you are OVERWEIGHT or OBESE
• (GENDER) MEN are more predisposed than WOMEN
• Some LIFESTYLE habits can raise your blood pressure, such as intake of excess salt, lack of exercise, excess alcohol intake and smoking
• HISTORY of high blood pressure in your family
• GOOD NEWS!!! It is possible to prevent and control high blood pressure.

To control blood pressure:

Means having a systolic blood pressure less than 140mmHg and diastolic blood pressure less than 90mmHg, since the normal blood pressure is 120/80mmHg, and moderate is 120-139/80-89mmHg.

Why?

You are 4 times more likely to die from a stroke.

You are 3 times more likely to die from heart disease.

How? Get your blood pressure checked

• Early diagnosis and heart-healthy lifestyle changes can keep high blood pressure from negatively impacting well-being.
• Healthy diet: low salt, low fat (fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils), lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Regular exercise: moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, at least two and a half hours per week. For example, brisk walking.
• Maintain a healthy weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
• Limit alcohol: Men should have no more than two drinks per day, and women should have no more than one drink per day.
• No smoking
• Stress management: Exercising, meditation, listening to music.

Have you already been diagnosed with high blood pressure?

It is critical that you get medical attention regularly and that you take your medications as prescribed. In addition, adhere to the preventive measures outlined above.

In summary

High blood pressure is a chronic medical condition with little or no symptoms.

Everyone must monitor their blood pressure regularly to prevent its negative impact on our health.

Everyone must make a substantial contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target 3.4 by preventing and controlling hypertension.