Manaus/AM – This Friday (26th), is National Day to Combat Arterial Hypertension. The problem, which affects almost 24% of the Brazilian population, has as its main risk factors tobacco consumption, excessive alcohol use, obesity, stress, a diet rich in salt, high cholesterol levels and lack of activity. physical.
According to the State Department of Health (SES-AM), in Amazonas, cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) and heart problems are among the main causes of death, both closely linked to high blood pressure.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, Brazil faced an average of 388 daily deaths related to high blood pressure, with the risk increasing significantly with age.
State Secretary of Health, Nayara Maksoud, highlights a worrying trend: the constant increase in the number of high blood pressure diagnoses, with Amazonas following this same trajectory.
In 2006, around 21.7% of the Brazilian population suffered from high blood pressure, a number that rose to 23.7% by 2023. The mortality rate associated with this condition is estimated at 18.7 per 100,000 inhabitants in the country.
Dr. Tatiana Lima Aguiar, a doctor specializing in Cardiology and Internal Medicine, and Health Care Manager at Hospital Universitário Getúlio Vargas, warns that normal blood pressure is one that reaches the mark of 120/80 mmHg. Values above this limit may indicate prehypertension or high blood pressure.
High blood pressure puts an additional burden on the heart, increasing the risk of serious conditions such as stroke, heart attack, arterial aneurysm, and kidney and heart problems. Surprisingly, only 10% of hypertension cases are attributed to other health conditions, while the majority are asymptomatic.
It is crucial to be aware of warning signs such as headache, malaise and, in more serious cases, chest pain. Complications include stroke, heart attack, kidney problems, peripheral arterial disease and hypertensive retinopathy.
Even in the absence of symptoms or family history, it is recommended to regularly check blood pressure. Maintaining the prescribed treatment is essential, even when the pressure is controlled, as it can lead to serious complications. Without adequate treatment, hypertension can worsen and pose a threat to life.
