Saudi Arabia: 1 in 4 adults affected by hypertension

Cairo: Some 24.5% of people aged 18 years and older in Saudi Arabia suffer from high blood pressure, according to findings of an official study.

Hypertension is a condition in which the blood force against the walls of arteries is consistently too high, pressuring the heart to work harder to pump blood.

Labelled the "silent killer" due to rarely shown symptoms, high blood pressure can increase risks of heart disease and stroke, if not treated. 

A study, conducted by the Saudi Ministry of Health using UN methodology, showed that the overall percentage of patients taking medication for treating high blood pressure has improved in the kingdom.

The results pointed to gender-based disparities in access to treatment. Women receiving treatment for high blood pressure was significantly higher, reaching 57%, compared to 41% among men.

The rate of access to treatment was also seen to be on the increase with advance in age.

While the rate did not exceed 18% for those aged 30-39, it steadily increased to 40% in the 40-49 age group, 58% for those aged 50-59, and 66% for those aged 60-69, peaking at 81% for those aged 70-79.

The study, meanwhile, revealed significant variations in treatment coverage rates across the kingdom, a country of 35.3 million people.

 The south-western region of Al Baha recorded the highest treatment coverage rate of 87%, followed by Najran with 77%, Riyadh with 63%, and Mecca with 59%.

Risk factors for having high blood pressure include older age, genetics, overweight or obesity, lack of physical activity, high-salt diet and excessive alcohol drinking.