New report from WHO urges prioritisation of prevention, early detection, and effective management of high blood pressure
According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, has become a major health concern worldwide. The report revealed that the number of people living with hypertension has doubled between 1990 and 2019, from 650 million to 1.3 billion. It is estimated that about one in every three adults aged 30-79 worldwide, accounting for 33% of adults, are affected by hypertension. However, only about 54% of hypertension patients have been diagnosed globally, and just 42% of them are receiving treatment, with only 21% having their blood pressure controlled.
The report further highlighted that nearly 80% of people with hypertension are not adequately treated, and more than three-quarters of adults with hypertension live in low- and middle-income countries. India, for instance, is estimated to have 188.3 million adults aged 30-79 years with hypertension. The report found that approximately 67 million more people with hypertension would need to be effectively treated in the country to achieve a 50% control rate. If this progress scenario were achieved, about 4.6 million deaths due to high blood pressure would be averted by 2040.
The WHO defines hypertension as having systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mmHg. High blood pressure can lead to many issues like stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney damage. The report also pointed out gaps in hypertension diagnosis, with nearly half of the people with hypertension globally currently unaware of their condition.
The WHO called for prioritizing the prevention, early detection, and effective management of hypertension at the primary care level. These are among the most cost-effective interventions in healthcare that can deliver economic benefits outweighing the costs by about 18 to 1. The report also highlighted that older age and genetics play a major role in increasing the risk for high blood pressure. However, modifiable risk factors such as eating a high-salt diet, not being physically active, and drinking too much alcohol can also increase the risk of hypertension.
In a statement, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that only about one in five people with hypertension have controlled their hypertension, even though it could be done effectively with simple, low-cost medication regimens.
“Hypertension control programmes remain neglected, under-prioritised and vastly underfunded. Strengthening hypertension control must be part of every country’s journey towards universal health coverage, based on well-functioning, equitable and resilient health systems, built on a foundation of primary health care,” he said.
According to a recent report released during the United Nations General Assembly’s 78th session, increasing the number of patients effectively treated for hypertension to levels observed in high-performing countries could help prevent a significant number of health issues. This includes 76 million deaths, 120 million strokes, 79 million heart attacks, and 17 million cases of heart failure between now and 2050.
The report also highlights the progress made towards the United Nations-mandated Sustainable Development Goals, which includes health goals such as pandemic preparedness, tuberculosis eradication, and achieving Universal Health Coverage. However, better hypertension prevention and control will be critical for progress in all of these areas.
Editor