The World Health Organization (WHO) says it will release its new global report on hypertension — a silent killer — next Tuesday (September 19).

Ahead of the release, WHO says the report has found that one in every three adults worldwide, which is about 1.3 billion people, suffers from high blood pressure.

This, the UN health agency says, puts them at risk of heart attack, disabling strokes and premature death.

"Approximately four out of every five people with hypertension are not adequately treated, but if countries can scale up coverage, 76 million deaths could be averted between 2023 and 2050," it says.

Hypertension, one of the major causes of premature death worldwide, is not noticed if symptoms are not felt and the test is not done.

People with high blood pressure may not feel symptoms. The only way to know is to get your blood pressure checked

The prevalence of hypertension varies across regions and country income groups.

The WHO African Region has the highest prevalence of hypertension (27%) while the WHO Region of the Americas has the lowest prevalence of hypertension (18%).

The number of adults with hypertension increased from 594 million in 1975 to 1.13 billion in 2015, with the increase seen largely in low- and middle-income countries, says WHO.

"This increase is due mainly to a rise in hypertension risk factors in those populations."

So what is this silent killer?

Here is some useful information about hyertension sourced from WHO:

Hypertension — or simply put, high blood pressure — is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). It is common but can be serious if not treated.

People with high blood pressure may not feel symptoms. The only way to know is to get your blood pressure checked.

The things that increase the risk of having high blood pressure include older age, genetics, being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, high-salt diet and drinking too much alcohol.

With that in mind, lifestyle changes such as eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower blood pressure.

"Some people may still need to take medicines," says WHO.

An infographic titled '46% of adults with hypertension worldwide unaware they have it' created in Ankara, Turkiye on May 17, 2023

Symptoms

Most people with hypertension don’t feel any symptoms. Very high blood pressures can cause headaches, blurred vision, chest pain and other symptoms.

If hypertension is not treated, it can cause other health conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease and stroke.

Other symptoms people with very high blood pressure can experience include dizziness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, confusion, buzzing in the ears, nosebleeds and abnormal heart rhythm

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and a high blood pressure, you are advised to seek care immediately.

Having blood pressure measured is quick and painless.

Although individuals can measure their own blood pressure using automated devices, an evaluation by a health professional is important for assessment of risk and associated conditions.

Treatment

If you have high blood pressure, besides lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend one or more medicines. Your recommended blood pressure goal may depend on what other health conditions you have.

Blood pressure goal is less than 130/80 if you have:

- Cardiovascular disease (heart disease or stroke)
- Diabetes (high blood sugar)
- Chronic kidney disease
-High risk for cardiovascular disease

For most people, the goal is to have a blood pressure less than 140/90.