20 million Germans suffer from hypertension

Health risk High blood pressure - One in four Germans is affected

17/05/2011

About every fourth German has high blood pressure (hypertension). On the occasion of today's World Hypertension Day, the German Hypertension League e.V. has pointed out that at least 20 million people in Germany suffer from hypertension. Among the over-60s, according to the experts, even one in two is affected.

Since chronic hypertension rarely causes noticeable symptoms or acute symptoms, the disease is often not recognized and those affected know nothing of their hypertension, said the German high pressure league. However, it threatens significant health consequences such as strokes, heart attacks and heart failure, vascular disease (eg dementia) and chronic renal insufficiency, warn the experts of the high pressure league. Throughout Germany, the association wants to draw attention to the problem of hypertension on today's World Hypertension Day with numerous events and free blood pressure measurements.

High blood pressure is the leading cause of death in industrialized nations
According to the German Hypertension League, high blood pressure is the leading cause of death in modern industrialized countries and around half of all deaths in Germany „hypertension associated“. About 20 million people suffer according to statement of the high pressure league in this country currently under high blood pressure, whereby approximately one third of the affected ones knows nothing of the own illness. Possible signs of hypertension, according to the experts for example, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, blurred vision and nausea. But most of the hypertension is hardly noticeable for those affected. The threatening sequelae are, however, significant and should not be underestimated warned the German high pressure league. For untreated high blood pressure, long-term damage to the blood vessels and other serious sequelae such as heart attacks, strokes, vascular diseases (eg dementia) and chronic renal insufficiency (kidney failure). In order to be able to better assess the personal risk, the German Hypertension League should regularly check the blood pressure, especially in the case of high-risk patients such as smokers or diabetics. But for the rest of the population is recommended according to the experts at least once a year, a review of blood pressure.

Hypertension requires consistent therapy
The German high pressure league explained that from blood pressure levels of up to 140 (systolic) to 90 (diastolic) hypertension is present, which is medically treat. Ideally, the value should be below 120 to 80, the experts said. As the main risk factors for the occurrence of hypertension called the German Hypertension League overweight, lack of exercise and wrong, too salty diet. By changing the eating habits, regular sports activities and a reduction in weight, hypertension can be prevented relatively efficiently, stressed the experts of the association. According to the German high pressure league „serious sequelae“ only by a general „Awareness of the blood pressure problem and the consistent therapy of hypertension“ avoid.

Stress avoidance and relaxation exercises to lower blood pressure
High blood pressure patients should also avoid stress, as this can cause a narrowing of the blood vessels and thus a rising blood pressure. However, relaxation exercises such as yoga, tai chi, qigong or autogenic training often help to significantly reduce the personal sense of stress, allowing the blood vessels to relax, dilate and reduce blood pressure to normal levels. If all changes in the personal lifestyle have no effect on the existing hypertension, offers the option of a drug treatment to get the blood pressure levels back under control and to minimize the risk of complications, according to the German high pressure league. (Fp)

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Picture: Philipp Flury