Hypertension is the major cause of a number of health problems, including strokes, heart attacks and kidney damage. It can also contribute to developing dementia. Most people with hypertension are unaware of the problem because it may have no warning signs or symptoms. For this reason, it is essential that blood pressure is measured regularly, the Ministry of Health warned in connection with World Hypertension Day that is celebrated on October 17, IPN reports.
It is estimated that high blood pressure is a major cause of premature death worldwide. This year’s theme of World Hypertension Day is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”.
The risk factors for hypertension are modifiable and non-modifiable. 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.
According to the Ministry of Health, 35,961 persons in Moldova in 2019 were diagnosed with hypertension, ischemic heart disease accompanied by hypertension and cerebrovascular diseases accompanied by hypertension. The incidence of the disease in Moldova is of 101.4 cases per 10,000 people.
Specialists say hypertension can be prevented by reducing salt intake (to less than 5g daily0; eating more fruit and vegetables; being physically active on a regular basis; avoiding use of tobacco; reducing alcohol consumption; limiting the intake of foods high in saturated fats.
World Hypertension Day has been celebrated since 2005 to raise awareness of the health problems caused by elevated blood pressure. In 2020 this is marked on October 17.
