Experts raise concern: Half of people do not know they suffer from hypertension

1 in 3 adults worldwide are affected by hypertension, which is often the cause of strokes, heart attacks, kidney damage or many other health problems.

In the first global report published by the World Health Organization, experts raise concerns over the devastating impact of high blood pressure, calling it a silent killer.

According to the report, the number of people living with hypertension doubled between 1990 and 2019, from 650 million to 1.3 billion.

Even more alarming is the fact that nearly half of people with hypertension worldwide are unaware of their condition. More than 3/4 of adults with hypertension live in low- and middle-income countries.

Experts point out that approximately 4 out of every 5 people with hypertension are not treated properly.

Among the main factors leading to hypertension are old age and genetics, but there are other modifiable factors including a diet high in salt, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Early detection and appropriate treatment could lead to the prevention of 76 million deaths, 120 million strokes, 79 million heart attacks and 17 million heart attacks between now and 2050, according to experts.