Hypertension is preventable
Adults need to have their blood pressure accurately measured and controlled to live longer. Early detection and careful management of hypertension are essential. Hypertension is a leading risk factor for premature death and disability, particularly in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. Untreated hypertension can lead to serious medical complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, kidney damage and other disabling health problems. In 2019, hypertension was estimated to affect 38% of adults aged 30–79 years in the Region, or more than 104 million people. Shockingly, more than half of them (51%) are unaware of their status and more than 60% are not receiving treatment. Only 16% of the total number are able to control their disease. Established risk factors include poor diet (high in salt and low in fruit and vegetables), sedentary lifestyle, smoking and alcoholism, and obesity. New risk factors include pollution (air, water, noise, light), urbanization and re