Half of the cases of hypertension are due to unhealthy diets, with 30% of these being attributed to excessive salt consumption, while 20% to the low intake of fruit and vegetables. A study conducted in 2021 shows that almost 35% of the adults (aged between 18 and 69) in the Republic of Moldova were found to have high blood pressure or said that they receive treatment for hypertension. The data were presented in connection with World Hypertension Day that is celebrated on May 17, IPN reports.

The National Public Health Agency said hypertension or high blood pressure is when the pressure in blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). It is common but can be serious if not treated. People with high blood pressure may not feel symptoms. Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide. It accounts for about half of all heart disease– and stroke-related deaths globally.

High blood pressure is directly linked to more than 10 million deaths worldwide each year. An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years worldwide have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries.

Modifiable risk factors include unhealthy diets (excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables), physical inactivity, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, and being overweight or obese. Non-modifiable risk factors include a family history of hypertension, age over 65 years and co-existing diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.

Most people with hypertension don’t feel any symptoms. Very high blood pressures can cause headaches, blurred vision, chest pain and other symptoms. The only way to detect hypertension is to have a health professional measure blood pressure. Having blood pressure measured is quick and painless. Although individuals can measure their own blood pressure using automated devices, an evaluation by a health professional is important for assessment of risk and associated conditions.