Menu
14/01/2005
Scientists predict high blood pressure will affect billions
One in three adults over 20 will suffer from high blood pressure by 2025, public health researchers have predicted.
This means 1.56 billion people worldwide would eventually be affected by the condition.
A team of researchers at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, led by epidemiologist Jiang He, carried out hypertension studies around the world in an attempt to assess the global impact of the disease. Over 30 studies conducted around the world were examined, representing over 500,000 adults over the age of 20 worldwide.
The research, which is published in the new edition of 'The Lancet', showed that around one in four adults had high blood pressure, in 2000 – around 972 million adults, 639 million of whom lived in economically developing countries.
The researcher stated that they expected a 60% increase in adults with high blood pressure over the next two decades.
Commenting on the findings of the study, Mr He explained: "Hypertension disproportionately affects people in less economically developed countries. Not only are there greater numbers of people with high blood pressure in these countries, but their governments and citizens lack the resources to prevent, detect and adequately treat hypertension, which ultimately contributes to high rates of early death from heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. By 2025, nearly three out of four people with high blood pressure will be living in an economically developing country."
Mr He said that high blood pressure is "a modifiable risk factor" for life-threatening, chronic diseases and called on the international community to find ways to advocate the necessary life-style changes that can reduce the risks of developing the condition. He recommended losing weight, reducing salt intake, moderating alcohol consumption, changing diet and exercise habits and increasing intake of potassium. These changes, he says, would also help reduce the risk of obesity, as well as developing type-2 diabetes.
(KMcA/SP)
This means 1.56 billion people worldwide would eventually be affected by the condition.
A team of researchers at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, led by epidemiologist Jiang He, carried out hypertension studies around the world in an attempt to assess the global impact of the disease. Over 30 studies conducted around the world were examined, representing over 500,000 adults over the age of 20 worldwide.
The research, which is published in the new edition of 'The Lancet', showed that around one in four adults had high blood pressure, in 2000 – around 972 million adults, 639 million of whom lived in economically developing countries.
The researcher stated that they expected a 60% increase in adults with high blood pressure over the next two decades.
Commenting on the findings of the study, Mr He explained: "Hypertension disproportionately affects people in less economically developed countries. Not only are there greater numbers of people with high blood pressure in these countries, but their governments and citizens lack the resources to prevent, detect and adequately treat hypertension, which ultimately contributes to high rates of early death from heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. By 2025, nearly three out of four people with high blood pressure will be living in an economically developing country."
Mr He said that high blood pressure is "a modifiable risk factor" for life-threatening, chronic diseases and called on the international community to find ways to advocate the necessary life-style changes that can reduce the risks of developing the condition. He recommended losing weight, reducing salt intake, moderating alcohol consumption, changing diet and exercise habits and increasing intake of potassium. These changes, he says, would also help reduce the risk of obesity, as well as developing type-2 diabetes.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 January 2013
Marathon Runner Had Banned Stimulant In Her Waterbottle
A 30-year-old woman who died while running last year’s London marathon had the now-banned stimulant, Jack3d, in her waterbottle. An inquest into the death of Claire Squires heard from her boyfriend of three years, who said: "Claire was always in the gym and this stuff was being widely talked about there.
Marathon Runner Had Banned Stimulant In Her Waterbottle
A 30-year-old woman who died while running last year’s London marathon had the now-banned stimulant, Jack3d, in her waterbottle. An inquest into the death of Claire Squires heard from her boyfriend of three years, who said: "Claire was always in the gym and this stuff was being widely talked about there.
13 September 2004
British consumers urged to reduce salt intake
British consumers have been warned that they are endangering their health by eating too much salt – with men most at risk as they take almost twice the daily recommended limit.
British consumers urged to reduce salt intake
British consumers have been warned that they are endangering their health by eating too much salt – with men most at risk as they take almost twice the daily recommended limit.
26 January 2011
Blood Pressure Performance Pay Has No Impact
Targets set for GPs to improve the care of patients with high blood pressure have had no impact, according to a new study published on bmj.com.
Blood Pressure Performance Pay Has No Impact
Targets set for GPs to improve the care of patients with high blood pressure have had no impact, according to a new study published on bmj.com.
16 November 2006
Heart cells 'can learn to heal'
Cells in the heart's outer layer can be guided deeper inside by a specific protein in order to help repair a failing adult heart, new research has revealed.
Heart cells 'can learn to heal'
Cells in the heart's outer layer can be guided deeper inside by a specific protein in order to help repair a failing adult heart, new research has revealed.
21 July 2005
Blood donors warned over possible vCJD carriage
Around 100 people who donated blood to three people who subsequently developed vCJD, have been warned that they may have a greater chance of carrying the agent that causes the disease.
Blood donors warned over possible vCJD carriage
Around 100 people who donated blood to three people who subsequently developed vCJD, have been warned that they may have a greater chance of carrying the agent that causes the disease.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
