Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

An estimated 1.3 billion people are living with hypertension, says World Health Organisation (WHO).

Unfortunately, nearly half of people with hypertension globally are currently unaware of their condition.

“Every hour, more than 1,000 people die from strokes and heart attacks. Most of these deaths are caused by high blood pressure (hypertension), and most could have been prevented,” says Dr Tom Frieden, President and CEO, Resolve to Save Lives.

He says: “Good hypertension care is affordable, within reach, and strengthens primary health care. The challenge now is to go from “within reach” to “reached.” This will require commitment of governments around the world.”

Most people with hypertension have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels.

A few people may have headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, but these signs and symptoms aren’t specific and usually don’t occur until it has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.

Globally, three out of every 10 individual is living with hypertension.

In Kenya the prevalence of hypertension is 24 per cent .

About 78 per cent of people diagnosed with hypertension are not on treatment. For those on treatment, only three percent  have achieved blood pressure control

Hypertension is a significant contributor to cardiovascular diseases, the second commonest cause of mortalities in Kenya

Silent killer

Mostly diagnosed after complications have developed.

Effective intervention includes screening, early identification and early initiation of treatment.

Approximately 44 per cent of health facilities in Kenya are not able to diagnose and treat hypertension (The Kenya Health Facility Assessment , 2018).

More than three-quarters of adults with hypertension live in low- and middle-income countries, according to the WHO report.

The report shows approximately four out of every five people with hypertension are not adequately treated, but if countries can scale up coverage, 76 million deaths could be averted between 2023 and 2050.

Hypertension affects one in three adults worldwide.  This common, deadly condition leads to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage and many other health problems.

Older age and genetics can increase the risk of having high blood pressure, but modifiable risk factors, such as eating high-salt diet, not being physically active and drinking too much alcohol can also increase the risk of hypertension.

Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower blood pressure. Some people may need medicines that can control hypertension effectively and prevent related complications.