By JOSÉ A. DE LA OSA:

THE number of Cubans known to be affected by high blood pressure is greater the 2.2 million, around 25% of the population, including those not being treated. Among those receiving therapeutic treatment, more than 50% do not maintain their blood pressure at well controlled levels.

The consequences of this lack of attention are well known. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease; cerebral, vascular and kidney problems, as well as severe visual disorders.

The key to maintaining healthy blood pressure lies in prevention and vigilance.

It is important that everyone be familiar with their own blood pressure levels and its measurement should be included in all examinations, even when visiting a doctor for some other ailment.

Blood pressure within a normal range should measure less than 140 mm systolic (high) and 90 mm diastolic (low). That is to say, a person is described as having hypertension when these figures surpass 140/90. The normal range for children varies according to age.

On World Hypertension Day, May 17, monitoring teams were taking blood pressure in many locales within both health institutions and public spaces, as well as offering expanded informational and educational efforts about this silent disease, considered a serious health problem in Cuba and world-wide.

Havana.  May 20, 2011

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