294 Million Battling Hypertension in Southeast Asia
This is the reality of hypertension, a silent killer gripping the Southeast Asia region. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 294 million people in this area are currently living with hypertension. As we mark World Hypertension Day, the urgent need to address this growing health crisis becomes even more apparent.
294 Million Battling Hypertension in : A Wake-Up Call from WHO
Imagine a city larger than the combined population of Kolkata and Chennai suffering silently from a single health condition. This is the reality of hypertension, a silent killer gripping the Southeast Asia region. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 294 million people in this area are currently living with hypertension. As we mark World Hypertension Day, the urgent need to address this growing health crisis becomes even more apparent.
Understanding Hypertension: The Basics
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. This condition is a major risk factor for heart diseases, strokes, and kidney failure.
Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. It can be a serious illness leading to complications if not managed properly.
Portal hypertension refers to increased blood pressure within the portal venous system, which can lead to severe liver complications.
Often called the "silent killer," hypertension typically has no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Some common signs include headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and dizziness.
Causes and Risk Factors
High intake of salt, tobacco, and alcohol, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, stress, and air pollution are primary culprits behind the rising cases of hypertension.
Diabetes significantly increases the risk of hypertension, creating a vicious cycle that can lead to severe cardiovascular issues.
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The Global Response: Initiatives and Actions
The Southeast Asia region has prioritized the prevention and control of hypertension through initiatives like SEAHEARTS, aiming to manage cardiovascular diseases in primary health care settings.
Countries are adopting the WHO HEARTS technical package, which includes evidence-based clinical protocols to improve hypertension management.
This initiative focuses on accelerating the control of cardiovascular diseases, with the goal of placing 100 million people with hypertension and diabetes on protocol-based management by 2025.
Hypertension Treatment and Management
There are several classes of drugs used to manage hypertension, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers. Each plays a crucial role in controlling blood pressure and preventing complications.
Conclusion
The battle against hypertension is not just a medical issue; it's a societal challenge requiring collective action. By adopting healthier lifestyles and supporting national health initiatives, we can turn the tide against this silent epidemic. Hypertension is a preventable and manageable condition. Let's take the lessons from World Hypertension Day to heart and make conscious choices for our health.
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