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Hypertension Decreasing blood pressure in Germany
Hypertension is a widespread medical condition that carries massive health risks. However, a recent study comes to the gratifying conclusion that blood pressure levels in Germany have fallen in the last two decades. Despite falling values, blood pressure in Germany is still too high, according to the scientists of the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK).
According to a report by the DZHK, the current evaluation of seven large population studies in Germany has shown that blood pressure levels in Germany have fallen in the last two decades. The strongest decline was in the 55- to 74-year-olds. However, there is no reason for the all-clear. All in all, blood pressure levels in Germany remain too high, especially among men.
In Germany, blood pressure has dropped in the past two decades. However, the average values remain too high. (Image: Photographee.eu/fotolia.com) Clearest reduction in the age group of 55- to 74-year-olds
For their current study, the scientists from the Blood Pressure Epidemiology Consortium (founded by DZHK researchers) examined data from two national health surveys and five regional population-based studies conducted between 1997 and 2012. This allows for the first time a comprehensive overview of blood pressure values of the last twenty years in Germany, emphasize the researchers. On the basis of the data analysis, it had become clear that blood pressure levels in Germany and Germany were falling. The most pronounced reduction was in the age group of 55 to 74 year olds, explain the experts.
Regional differences
According to the scientists, the drop in blood pressure also revealed regional differences. Thus, the values in the northeast compared to the national average fell the most. "The East-West divide demonstrated in earlier publications, according to which the values in East Germany were higher than in West Germany, is similar to that," said the DZHK.
Hypertension is more commonly recognized in women
Gender differences seen in previous studies have not changed according to the researchers. Furthermore, an existing high blood pressure in women earlier detected, treated more frequently and thus successfully lowered. The scientists also refer here to a study by Dr. med. Hannelore Neuhauser from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), also a member of the consortium on blood pressure epidemiology. In their study, it became clear that the gender-based differences among 18- to 54-year-olds are particularly large.
Men too rarely at the doctor?
In other countries, too, according to Dr. med. Neuhauser observed such gender differences in hypertension. "Maybe they come about because younger men rarely go to the doctor and their blood pressure levels are therefore also less often controlled," the expert surmises. Women, on the other hand, regularly visit the gynecologist where their blood pressure is also measured. Only in young men between the ages of 25 and 34 from the north of eastern Germany had the blood pressure values been reduced in the current study. However, this positive trend did not appear in the rest of Germany.
Number of people with hypertension barely changed
The data analysis has also shown that hypertension has been increasingly treated in recent years, the researchers report. Here, the increased treatment rates are a possible reason for the improved values. But also preventative measures such as a healthier diet, more exercise and a renunciation of smoking contribute to the positive development according to the medical profession. "However, the blood pressure values are still too high and the number of people with hypertension has changed only slightly," reports the DZHK.
In the future again more high blood pressure cases
Despite the decline in blood pressure over the past decades, the researchers believe that the diagnosis of high blood pressure will increase again in the future due to the aging society. This does not apply only to Germany. For a good reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified hypertension as the most significant health risk in the world, as it is one of the biggest risk factors for dementia, cardiovascular and renal disease. "Hypertension can be avoided in many cases and there are effective treatment options," the scientists emphasize.
Take countermeasures early
The example North-East Germany clarifies according to statement of Dr. med. Neuhauser, how much can be achieved within a decade. "But there is still a lot of room for maneuver and the primary goal must remain that hypertension does not even occur," the expert continues. Currently, the limit for hypertension is 140/90 mm Hg. However, the treatment must begin here before, in the so-called prehypertensive range at values between 120-140 / 80-90 mm Hg. Affected need no medication, but a lifestyle change could be much effect. Reduce overweight, move more, eat a lot of fruit and vegetables and do not smoke, are here recommended measures. (Fp)