Global impact of high blood pressure

Global impact of high blood pressure

Subject: Science and technology

Section: Space science

Context:

• WHO releases its first-ever report on the global impact of high BP.

Details of the report:

• Report: Global Impact of High Blood Pressure
• Released by: World Health Organisation (WHO), during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
• Findings:
  • Approximately four out of every five people with hypertension are not adequately treated, but if countries can scale up coverage, 76 million deaths could be averted between 2023 and 2050.
  • Less than one-fourth of hypertensive patients in India had their blood pressure under control during 2016–2020, though this rate has improved compared to previous years, substantial differences exist across regions.
  • Hypertension affects one in three adults worldwide. This common, deadly condition leads to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage and many other health problems.
  • The number of people living with hypertension (blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher or taking medication for hypertension) doubled between 1990 and 2019, from 650 million to 1.3 billion.
  • Nearly half of people with hypertension globally are currently unaware of their condition. More than three-quarters of adults with hypertension live in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Older age and genetics can increase the risk of having high blood pressure, but 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.
• Recommendations of WHO:
  • Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower blood pressure. Some people may need medicines that can control hypertension effectively and prevent related complications.

HEART programme of WHO:

• WHO’s HEARTS technical package for cardiovascular disease management in primary health care and the Guideline for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults provide proven and practical steps to deliver effective hypertension care in primary health care settings.
• The HEARTS technical package provides a strategic approach to improving cardiovascular health in countries. It comprises six modules and an implementation guide. This package supports ministries of health to strengthen CVD management in primary health care settings.
• The HEARTS modules were developed under the auspices of the Global Hearts Initiative, led by WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hypertension:

• Hypertension is the most important risk factor for death and disability in India.
• The 2019–2020 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reported a hypertension prevalence of 24% in men and 21% among women, an increase from 19% and 17% respectively from the previous round (2015–16).
• India runs the India Hypertension Control Initiative programme which is a large-scale hypertension intervention under the National Health Mission and has been recognised for its positive work done within the country’s existing primary healthcare system.
• Prevention, early detection and effective management of hypertension are among the most cost-effective interventions in health care.
• The economic benefits of improved hypertension treat­ment programmes outweigh the costs by about 18 to 1, as per the WHO.