Hypertension, commonly known as chronic high blood pressure, is a major contributor to heart disease, which claims countless lives worldwide every day.
Despite advances in medical science that have provided effective treatments for controlling hypertension, a significant number of cases remain untreated.
This ongoing issue has prompted researchers from the University of Washington and other institutions to propose a new strategy: the 80-80-80 target as a national policy for managing hypertension.
In their recent study, the researchers analyzed and modeled global population data related to blood pressure control. They found that, despite the availability of therapies, only about one in five people with hypertension successfully manage their condition with medication. This alarming statistic highlights the gap between available treatments and actual patient outcomes.
The reasons for this gap are multifaceted. In many parts of the world, particularly in underdeveloped countries, there is a lack of established medical facilities, which limits access to necessary treatments.
Additionally, there is often a lack of awareness among patients about the dangers of untreated hypertension, leading to a failure to seek or adhere to treatment.
Finally, there is a broader issue of insufficient public and governmental will to address the problem on a national or global scale.
To combat these challenges, the researchers developed a model based on what they call the 80-80-80 target. This target involves three key objectives: First, ensuring that 80% of people in a given area are tested for hypertension.
Second, among those diagnosed with hypertension, 80% should receive appropriate treatment. Finally, the goal is for 80% of those receiving treatment to achieve their target blood pressure levels.
The researchers used this model to estimate the potential impact of achieving the 80-80-80 target on a global scale. The results were striking. If this goal were met worldwide, the model suggests that between 76 and 130 million lives could be saved. This significant reduction in mortality highlights the profound impact that effective blood pressure control could have on global public health.
While the model primarily focused on the potential reduction in deaths, the researchers also pointed out that achieving the 80-80-80 target would likely lead to a substantial decrease in the number of people suffering from cardiovascular disease.
This would not only save lives but also reduce the pain and suffering associated with conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
The researchers argue that setting the 80-80-80 target as a national goal should be a priority for all countries, regardless of their current level of healthcare development.
They believe that many countries could realistically achieve this target, particularly with coordinated efforts from governments, healthcare providers, and the public.
Achieving this goal would represent one of the most significant public health accomplishments of the coming decades, with the potential to drastically reduce the global burden of hypertension and its related complications.
For those concerned about managing their own blood pressure, it’s important to be aware of factors that can influence it. For example, studies have shown that consuming black licorice can lead to dangerously high blood pressure, highlighting the importance of diet in managing hypertension.
On the other hand, certain plant nutrients have been found to help reduce blood pressure, offering a natural way to support heart health.
This research, published in Nature Medicine and led by Sarah J. Pickersgill and her team, underscores the urgent need for a coordinated global effort to combat hypertension.
By adopting and striving to achieve the 80-80-80 target, the world could make a significant leap forward in the fight against one of the leading causes of death and disability.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about How to eat your way to healthy blood pressure and results showing that Modified traditional Chinese cuisine can lower blood pressure.
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