Half of those affected by high blood pressure, the leading cause of death in Luxembourg, are unaware that they are at risk, prompting the government to launch a new awareness campaign to coincide with World Hypertension Day tomorrow.
Hypertension is the leading preventable cause of cardio-vascular disease in the world, and Luxembourg has one of the highest prevalence rates in Europe.
About 30% of the adult population here suffers from high blood pressure yet one person in two is unaware that they are suffering from the silent disease.
A Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) study on hypertension and its modifiable risk factors, as well as its geographical distribution in the Grand Duchy found that among Luxembourg residents between the ages of 25 and 65, 31% were hypertensive. Half of them are unaware of their condition and of those who know it, half are insufficiently controlled and treated.
There is also a north-south gradient in Luxembourg, showing a higher prevalence among people living in the south and west of the country. Therefore it is likely that socio-economic, cultural and demographic factors are at play, such as population density, industrialisation, lifestyles and pollution.
As part of the awareness campaign, the Ministry of Health is launching a brochure in French and German providing targeted information on the prevention, early detection and treatment of this disease, which is still too often ignored.
Long silent, high blood pressure can damage vital organs such as the heart, brain or kidneys and lead to very serious complications, such as infarction, heart failure and stroke.
High blood pressure is defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and / or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, requiring antihypertensive drugs.
This study produced many recommendations in terms of public health, particularly with regard to health professionals and the general population.
Changes in lifestyle can have positive effects on high blood pressure. In some people, stopping smoking, reducing salt intake, limiting alcohol consumption, regular physical activity and a balanced diet can significantly reduce blood pressure.
When these changes are not sufficient, medication is prescribed. Most patients must take several antihypertensive drugs to control their blood pressure, and this for life.
The public is invited to take the evaluation test on the leaflet, or consult or download the leaflets and posters on the website of the Ministry of Health: www.sante.lu.
