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HYPERTENSION (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE) IS THE STRONGEST RISK FACTOR FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES (CVDS), ESPECIALLY HEART ATTACK AND STROKE. IN 2008, AN ESTIMATED 17.3 MILLION PEOPLE DIED FROM CVDS.
In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 23 million people will die annually from CVDs by 2030. Therefore, hypertension is rated by the WHO as one of the most important causes of premature death worldwide.
Lifestyle plays an important role in treating and preventing high blood pressure. Appropriate lifestyle modifications are the first step of treatment of hypertension and other lifestyle diseases. Although lifestyle between Asians and Westerners are different, the official Guidelines and recommendations regarding lifestyle changes to improve hypertension are similar. However, in terms of public health, Asians should pay particular attention to reducing salt, alcohol drinking and quitting smoking, whereas Westerners need to pay attention to weight control and reduce fat intake.