Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that there are 1.280 million adults aged 30 to 79 with arterial hypertension in the world. Most live in low- and middle-income countries.

Ecuador is part of that serious statistic that manifests itself as a major risk factor for fatal cardiovascular diseases.

Today is World High Blood Pressure Day. According to the Ministry of Public Health, this is one of the most important health problems in the country, it is the main cause of heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. Last year, the portfolio confirmed on this date that one out of two hypertensive people is unaware of their condition.

Hypertension, a disease that affects every fifth Ecuadorian

Last year, the Ministry announced the promotion of prevention plans, however, apart from fairs and direct interviews of those who go to health centers and fairs, there is no increased public information. Prevention is better than living with a ‘controlled’ disease.

Social networks can be a good ally of the ministry in this task, but so can the spaces available to the state in the media as free spaces.

Symptoms and values ​​that warn of arterial hypertension, a silent disease

The lives of Ecuadorians are threatened by poor nutrition, excessive salt intake, alcohol consumption and sodium-rich foods; “The World Health Organization recommends intake of less than 5 grams of this mineral per day; but Ecuadorians consume more than double what is recommended,” the portfolio’s press release points out.

Education can also contribute to great achievements. Children can recognize unhealthy foods and begin to eliminate them from their diet, taking the information home as a means of reproduction.

This does not release the family from responsibility. Although the state is obliged to provide information that enables prevention, cooperation at home is important to protect life. (OR)