Manama, May 16 (BNA): The Kingdom of Bahrain joins the world in celebrating the World Hypertension Day, which falls on May 17 and is celebrated this year under the slogan “Measure blood pressure accurately, control it and live long.” The event aims to raise awareness of the importance of periodically measuring high blood pressure, knowing its normal levels, and controlling blood pressure to prevent serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.
High blood pressure is a serious disease that significantly increases the risk of developing heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. It is one of the leading causes of premature death in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that around 1.28 billion adults between the ages of 30 and 79 have high blood pressure globally. One of the global goals related to the control of noncommunicable diseases is to reduce the prevalence of high blood pressure by 33% between 2010 and 2030.
Variable risk factors for high blood pressure include eating unhealthy meals such as excessive consumption of salt, a diet high in saturated and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables, as well as inactivity, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and being overweight or obese. . Unchangeable risk factors are a family history of high blood pressure, being over the age of 65, and comorbidity with other diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.
High blood pressure is called the “silent killer,” as most people are unaware of the problem and most of the time they don’t have any warning signs or symptoms. For this reason, it is necessary to regularly measure blood pressure for early detection, and symptoms, if they appear, may include early morning headache, epistaxis, irregular heartbeat, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or feeling tired, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety and pain Chest and muscle tremors. To prevent and reduce the burden of high blood pressure, a range of healthy behaviors such as eating healthy food, maintaining physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol use should be practiced. It can be treated and controlled by reducing and managing stress, checking blood pressure regularly, taking medications and managing other health conditions.
The Kingdom of Bahrain attaches great importance to the prevention and control of non-communicable (chronic) diseases to reduce high blood pressure as a public health problem. The 2018 National Health Survey statistics indicate a prevalence of 33.6%, and a comprehensive multinational plan has been developed. The sectors are linked to goals and programs that have specific time indicators and roles, and their implementation is supervised by the National Multisectoral Committee for Noncommunicable Diseases, where efforts are combined to achieve the goals.
The Ministry of Health is keen to organize many educational and awareness activities in conjunction with the celebration of the World Hypertension Day by holding lectures and awareness events, which in turn aim to educate the public about high blood pressure and explain its symptoms. And methods of prevention, treatment and how to reduce its complications.
AOQ