Hypertension Week 13-19 May 2013

The Cyprus Society of Hypertension has declared the week 13 to 19 May 2013 as Hypertension Week and organizes a series of events and activities to raise awareness and inform the public about the need for prevention and early diagnosis and treatment of this significant threat to cardiovascular health.

High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the most important and the most common risk factors for both stroke and myocardial infarction. Hypertension is often characterized as the ‘silent killer’ because it usually has no symptoms, doing damage to the body without the sufferer being aware. One in four adults have high blood pressure, while in individuals over age 60 the incidence is 1 in 2.

Although in recent years there has been significant progress in the treatment of hypertension, the problem remains serious. One in three hypertensives are not aware of their condition and fewer than half of those who know are trying to tackle the problem. Overall, fewer than 25% of hypertensives have a well controlled blood pressure.

AstraZeneca and Alector Pharmaceuticals have provided financial support for this initiative by the Cyprus Society of Hypertension.