In this regard, strengthening primary health care services, as well as policies to reduce salt consumption and to promote a healthier diet and physical activity, are key to deal with the risk factor of hypertension, the leading cause of death in the region.

While hypertension affects 180 million people in the Americas, “it often has no symptoms nor signs and is therefore frequently undiagnosed and untreated,” Dr. Barbosa stated during a media briefing.

“This is serious because undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension can lead to heart attack, heart failure or stroke,” he added.

Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which is the leading cause of premature death in the Region, responsible for around two million lives lost each year.

Yet in the Americas over one-third of men and a quarter of women with hypertension (aged 30 to 79 years) are unaware they have the condition. And of those who are aware they have hypertension and receive treatment, only a third (36%) have it under control.

The PAHO Director highlighted that countries must “intensify the scale-up and ensure equitable access to care for hypertension,” and provide training to ensure the latest approaches for diagnosis and treatment are practiced in primary health clinics across the Americas.

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