Hypertension is a prevalent condition around the world, with approximately one in every three to four individuals having the disease. Despite its high rate, many individuals are unaware of their condition or underestimate its seriousness. Two of the main complications of hypertension are stroke and myocardial infarction.
According to statistics from the World Health Organization, the global rate of hypertension ranges from 23 to 37%, indicating that it affects millions of people worldwide. While the proportion of individuals with hypertension has remained stable over the past three decades, the number of diagnosed cases has increased significantly, from 648 million in 1990 to 1.28 billion in 2019. This increase is attributed to factors such as aging and improved detection methods.
Despite its prevalence, control of the condition remains unsatisfactory worldwide. In Vietnam, approximately 25% of men and 21.6% of women are affected by hypertension, but not all individuals are able to achieve and maintain target blood pressure levels. Various factors contribute to the difficulty in controlling blood pressure, including financial constraints, lack of health insurance, and limited knowledge about the disease. Many individuals with hypertension are unaware of their condition or fail to adhere to treatment regimens or lifestyle modifications recommended for managing the condition.
Recent cases at major hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City have highlighted the serious consequences of untreated or poorly controlled hypertension among younger individuals who have experienced strokes and cerebral hemorrhages leading to death or disability. Long-term hypertension that is not effectively managed can result in complications such as heart issues, kidney damage, vision impairment, atherosclerosis, and erectile dysfunction. Prof. Dr. Huynh Van Minh emphasizes the importance of adherence to treatment, blood pressure monitoring, healthy dietary choices, weight management, physical activity, and alcohol consumption limits in managing hypertension effectively.
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