According to a World Health Organisation research, better hypertension management might save 4.6 million deaths in India annually owing to excessive blood pressure. During the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) presented its first ever study on the catastrophic effects of high blood pressure on the world.
According to the survey, 188.3 million Indian individuals between the ages of 30 and 79 are projected to have hypertension. 67 million additional hypertensive patients would need to get appropriate treatment in order to reach a 50% control rate.Only 37% of Indians, including 32% of men and 42% of women, have high blood pressure that has been diagnosed.
Of the 35% undergoing treatment, 35% are women and 25% are men.According to the research, just 15% of individuals now have their hypertension under control (19% women and 11% men).Heart attacks, strokes, and early mortality have all been linked to uncontrolled hypertension. In actuality, the study found that high blood pressure is to blame for 52% of cardiovascular disease-related fatalities in the nation, including heart attacks.
One in three individuals globally has hypertension. Four out of every five persons with hypertension do not get proper care. According to the analysis, 76 million deaths might be avoided between 2023 and 2050 if nations can increase coverage.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, said that despite the fact that simple, affordable pharmaceutical regimens may successfully manage hypertension, only roughly one in five persons with the condition have achieved this.Ageing and heredity may raise the chance of having high blood pressure, but modifiable risk factors including eating a high-salt diet, not exercising, and drinking too much alcohol can also increase the risk of hypertension.
Blood pressure may be lowered by making lifestyle changes including switching to a better diet, giving up smoking, and being more active.
Some patients may need medications that may properly manage their hypertension and stop any associated consequences.According to the research, governments should prioritise include prevention, early diagnosis, and efficient treatment of hypertension in their national health benefit packages provided at the primary care level. These measures are among the most cost-effective health care interventions.
Programmes to manage hypertension continue to be underfunded, underfunded, and ignored. Every nation’s road towards universal health coverage, based on effective, egalitarian, and resilient health systems, built on a foundation of primary health care, must include strengthening hypertension management, according to the WHO director.
