The National Hypertensive Association is conducting blood pressure screening at the Kingstown Vegetable Market today, in the lead up to World Hypertension Day, which will be observed this Sunday May 17th
A release from the Association says this year the day will be observed under the theme: Know Your Numbers, and the goal is to increase high blood pressure (BP) awareness in all populations around the world.
This decision was based on global statistics, indicating that only 50% of individuals with hypertension are aware that they actually have high Blood Pressure only a few populations have an awareness rate of more than 75%. In some populations, the awareness is as low as 10%.
Today’s screening session at the Kingstown Vegetable Market includes counseling, and will run until two this afternoon.
Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, is a global public health issue, which contributes to the burden of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure and premature mortality and disability.
Hypertension rarely causes symptoms in the early stages and many people go undiagnosed, which is why it is referred to as the “Silent Killer”.
The Association says addressing behavioral risk factors, such as unhealthy diet, harmful use of alcohol, high salt intake and physical inactivity, can make a major contribution to prevention and control of high blood pressure.
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