One-Third of Israelis with Hypertension Unaware of Diagnosis, Study Suggests

A significant portion of Israelis with hypertension, estimated at one-third of those aged 30-79, are unaware of their condition, according to a World Health Organization estimate for 2024. Furthermore, only 31% of these patients manage to control their blood pressure. While the Israeli Ministry of Health lacks precise data on undiagnosed cases, it acknowledges the number could be substantial. This mirrors findings from a large UK study published in BMJ Public Health, which found 37% of nearly 1.4 million adults had hypertension, with 59% unaware of their diagnosis. The UK study also highlighted that hypertension is more prevalent with age, affecting about 15% of those aged 18-39 and 71% of those over 80, and is more common in men than women. Obesity was also strongly linked to high blood pressure.

Despite the challenges, Israel has an established system for hypertension screening within its family medicine framework. Blood pressure measurement is a national quality indicator, and the Ministry of Health monitors its frequency across health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to ensure broad coverage. In 2024, 85.2% of Israelis aged 20-54 had their blood pressure measured at least once in the preceding five years, and 74% of those aged 55-74 were checked within the last year. These measurements are recorded in medical files, contributing to the high standard of primary care in the country.

However, simply measuring blood pressure does not guarantee detection of all hypertension cases or effective pressure control. Professor Roi Eldor, head of endocrinology at Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital, emphasizes that hypertension is often asymptomatic and can only be detected through measurement. He advises regular check-ups, stating, "You just need to go to the doctor and measure your blood pressure. Tonometers are available in all clinics, and the procedure itself does not take much time. You don't need to wait for signals from your body." He also notes that even among those undergoing treatment, about half still have high blood pressure, underscoring the need for systematic diagnosis, treatment, and regular monitoring beyond initial measurement.

Hypertension, often called the "silent killer," significantly increases the risk of heart disease, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Early detection and consistent management are crucial for reducing these risks. Professor Eldor confirms that hypertension is treatable with modern, safe, and effective medications, provided the condition is identified and managed promptly.