World Health Day focuses on hypertension

Dubai: High blood pressure or hypertension, which has no initial symptoms, can cause irregularities of the heartbeat and heart failure, if left uncontrolled, cautioned doctors on World Health Day on Sunday.

The observance this year marks the 65th anniversary of the World Health Organisation (WHO), which has selected hypertension as the day’s theme. Hypertension is the leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke and a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It requires lifetime management, medication adherence and lifestyle modification.

Doctors estimate that 40 per cent of the people in the region are unaware that they have hypertension.

To highlight the public health concern, doctors spoke to Gulf News on prevention and management strategies.

Dr Gabroun estimated that 40 per cent of the people in the region are not aware that they are hypertensive. He said that there is an urgent need of awareness, and that people aged 30-40 years should check their blood pressure at least once a year, and those above 40, every six months.

Of the causes, he said that obesity and sedentary lifestyle are the main contributors to hypertension. “Lack of adequate physical activity, unhealthy food choices, high sodium intake, stress, smoking and alcohol intake are other causes,” he said.

For those who are diagnosed with hypertension, regular monitoring is key, he added. “One should regularly monitor blood pressure at home as well as maintain a record of readings.”