Hypertension the silent killer : part two

Abstract EN

The review of Hypertension highlights the extent of the problem, its definition, the major risk factors and complications and effective methods of controlling and preventing hypertension.

Hypertension is one of the non-communicable diseases that are very common world wide, especially in the developing countries.

Such diseases form the biggest challenge to the public health services in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, as they constitute 47 % of the whole burden of disease, a figure expected to rise to 60 % by the year 2020.

The incidence of hypertension in the Eastern Mediterranean Region countries can reach up to 25 % in the adult population, while its incidence in the American continent ranges from 14 % to 40 % among those 35 to 64.

The prevalence of hypertension and obesity in this region, especially the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, is increasing tremendously.

Although it is well known that with proper control of hypertension the risk of complications is reduced, preventive measures should be taken before any sign of hypertension develops.

The complications of hypertension are very costly to society, families, and individuals because they lead to long periods of disability, premature mortality, and expensive diagnosis and care.

Studies have shown that lowering blood pressure by even 5-6 millimeters of mercury can reduce mortality from cerebrovascular disease by as much as 35 %-40 %, from cardiovascular causes by 23 % and from ischemic heart disease, by 15 %-20 %.

Economically, the non-communicable diseases also put a great burden on countries’ assigned health budgets and policies, especially in the poor ones.

In conclusion, greater efforts should be made for prevention of hypertension by community awareness and effective blood pressure reduction.

However, it has to be highlighted that the risk relationship between blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases is continuous and progressive, and studies have shown that complications may occur even in people who are labeled as normotensives.

Nonetheless, this fact should not deter policy makers from implementing strategic plans to overcome the problem of hypertension.