About 80% of people with hypertension are not receiving adequate treatment, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO). The report states that if countries increase treatment coverage, approximately 76 million hypertension-related deaths could be prevented by 2050. It could also prevent 120 million strokes, 79 million heart attacks, and 17 million cases of heart failure during the same period.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, affects one in three adults worldwide. It is called a “silent killer” because its symptoms are often unnoticed until it has already caused significant damage to the heart, blood vessels, and other organs.
The report reveals that the number of people living with hypertension has doubled from 650 million to 1.3 billion between 1990 and 2019. However, nearly half of those affected are unaware of their condition. The majority of adults with hypertension live in low- and middle-income countries.
High blood pressure can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. It is one of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity globally.
In summary, the report highlights the need for improved treatment coverage for hypertension to prevent millions of deaths and health complications in the future.
