Why is it in the news?

• Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its first-ever report on the global impact of high blood pressure (hypertension).

More about the news

• The report reveals that approximately four out of every five people with hypertension are not adequately treated.
• Scaling up coverage of hypertension treatment could potentially avert 76 million deaths between 2023 and 2050.
• Globally, hypertension affects one in three adults and can lead to severe health problems such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney damage.
• The number of people living with hypertension doubled from 650 million in 1990 to 1.3 billion in 2019.
• Nearly half of people with hypertension worldwide are unaware of their condition, and the majority live in low- and middle-income countries.
• The WHO recommends lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet, tobacco cessation, and increased physical activity, to lower blood pressure.
• Some individuals may require medication to control hypertension and prevent related complications.
• Prevention, early detection, and effective management of hypertension are cost-effective interventions in healthcare.
• Strengthening hypertension control programs is essential for achieving universal health coverage and building resilient health systems based on primary healthcare.
• India:
  • WHO report reveals that 4.6 million lives in India can be saved by 2040 if half of the hypertensive population controls their blood pressure.
  • Currently, 31% of India’s population, or 188.3 million people, have hypertension.
  • Only 37% of Indians with hypertension are diagnosed, and just 30% receive treatment. Only 15% have their blood pressure under control.
  • Over half (52%) of all deaths in India due to cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks, can be attributed to elevated blood pressure.
  • Young people in India are at risk of future health issues if hypertension is undetected or uncontrolled.
  • Key triggers for hypertension in India include high salt intake, tobacco use, obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical exercise.
  • The report highlights the India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI), a government program that screens and treats people with hypertension.
    • Adequate and uninterrupted availability of drugs is essential for the success of such programs.