One in Three Adults: The Global Epidemic of Hypertension and the Importance of National Responses.

Hypertension, a deadly threat lurking in silence. According to the latest report from the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension is on the rise worldwide, affecting one in three adults. This silent killer of a disease typically hides without symptoms, only to later trigger cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, posing a grave threat to life.

 

Hypertension is a dangerous condition hidden in silence. This report emphasizes its significance, conveying the message that national responses and individual health management are more crucial than ever.

 

Analyzing data from 1990 to 2019, the report reveals that the number of individuals with hypertension, defined as having systolic blood pressure of 140mmHg or higher, diastolic blood pressure of 90mmHg or higher, or requiring medication, has more than doubled from 650 million to 1.3 billion. This now accounts for approximately 33% of the global adult population.

 

The report underscores that hypertension leads to various health issues such as strokes, heart failure, cardiac arrest, and kidney damage, common yet life-threatening conditions.

 

Furthermore, the report reveals that three out of four hypertensive individuals reside in low- and middle-income countries, with four out of five not receiving adequate treatment. This stark reality reflects that hypertension is predominantly prevalent in developing nations, where accessing proper healthcare services can be challenging.

 

In response, WHO has commended South Korea and Canada as exemplary cases in national hypertension management and treatment. Both countries have achieved blood pressure control rates exceeding 50% among adult hypertensive patients. Through these success stories, it is projected that by diagnosing hypertension on a national scale and implementing appropriate treatment plans, we can potentially save 76 million lives by 2050.

 

Hypertension is a dangerous condition hidden in silence. This report emphasizes its significance, conveying the message that national responses and individual health management are more crucial than ever. With the increasing incidence of hypertension, it is imperative to pay attention and make efforts towards living a healthy life.