Millions Unaware of High Blood Pressure, Major UK Study Reveals
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Nearly 1.4 million adults in England studied for hypertension.
- 59% of hypertensive individuals were undiagnosed.
- Half of treated patients had uncontrolled blood pressure.
- High blood pressure is a 'silent killer' with serious risks.
- Similar undiagnosed rates are seen in Israel.
- Effective treatments exist but require proper diagnosis and monitoring.
A large-scale study in England has highlighted the significant problem of undiagnosed high blood pressure, often called the 'silent killer.' Researchers analyzed data from nearly 1.4 million adults, finding that 37% had hypertension, and a striking 59% of those individuals were unaware of their condition as they had not been previously diagnosed or were not taking medication.
High blood pressure, defined in the study as a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher, or the use of blood pressure medication, can lead to serious health issues including heart damage and strokes. Professor Roi Eldor, Director of the Endocrinology Institute at Tel Aviv Medical Center, explained that the lack of symptoms makes it easy to miss, as individuals often don't feel any different until severe complications arise.
Even among those diagnosed and receiving treatment, the study indicated a problem with management. Half of the participants taking blood pressure medication still had readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher, suggesting that current treatment strategies are not always effective in achieving target blood pressure levels. Professor Eldor emphasized the effectiveness of available treatments, noting that when blood pressure is controlled, morbidity can be significantly reduced.
The study, published in BMJ Public Health, also noted that hypertension prevalence increased with age, affecting about 15% of those aged 18-39 and rising to 71% in those over 80. It also found a notable gender disparity, with men showing a nearly 50% higher prevalence than women after age adjustment, and a link to obesity was also observed.
While the study's findings are significant, the researchers cautioned that the participants were volunteers and not a random sample of the English population. In Israel, an estimated one-third of adults aged 30-79 with hypertension were undiagnosed in 2024, and only 31% were at their target blood pressure levels. Despite this, Israel has a structured system for encouraging screening and monitoring blood pressure measurements in primary care.
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