46% of adults with hypertension worldwide unaware they have it: WHO

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) – An estimated 46% of people with hypertension, high blood pressure, worldwide are unaware that they have the condition, according to WHO.

An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years across the globe suffer from hypertension – two-thirds live in low- and middle-income countries.

While 42% of adults with hypertension are diagnosed and treated, the disease can be brought under control in 1 out of 5 adults (21%).

People with hypertension may not feel symptoms, so the only way to know is to get their blood pressure checked. It can be serious if not treated.

Hypertension, a major cause of premature death worldwide, is usually treated with low-cost drugs.

The disease can be reduced by eating a healthy diet, losing overweight, physical activity, and quitting tobacco.

Hypertension has increased in recent years.

The number of people with hypertension doubled to 1.28 billion between 1990-2019, while 720 million people are not receiving the treatment they need.

In addition, while the probability of hypertension in men is 37.6%, this rate is around 33% in women.

Africa has the highest rate of hypertension (27%), whereas the Americas have the lowest percentage (18%).