17th of May has been declared as the World Hypertension Day by the World Hypertension League (WHL) in order to raise public awareness about hypertension and the health problems it causes.

Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Cardiology Specialist Elif İjlal Çekirdekçi MD., stated that the blood pressure is defined as the pressure of circulating blood on the walls of the blood vessels. Cekirdekçi stated that this insidious disease may not show any symptoms for years and that early diagnosis is vital.

“Specialist Elif İjlal Çekirdekçi: Regular follow-up and treatment of blood pressure is required’
According to the research by the World Health Organization, hypertension is in the first row for the causes of death. Elif İjlal Cekirdekçi MD., stated that this situation increases with age and is often accompanied by other diseases such as diabetes. If regular follow up and treatment of the blood pressure is not carried out, it will cause damage to organs such as the heart, blood vessels, brain, eye and kidney, and can even lead to loss of life, therefore high blood pressure is also referred to as the ‘silent killer’.

Specialist Dr. Elif İjlal Çekirdekçi also stated that one out of three people in adults over 18 and one out of every two people in adults in their 50’s have a history of hypertension. Çekirdekçi explained that although there is a significant increase in hypertension awareness, drug use, treatment and control rates, the data for Turkey is not satisfying when compared to European countries and also taking into account the aging population.

‘’People with a family history of hypertension should be more careful’’
Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Cardiology Specialist Elif Ijlal Çekirdekçi, stated that when the cause of high blood pressure is unknown, it is defined as essential hypertension or primary hypertension. However, hypertension can sometimes be due to another disease or medication such as kidney diseases or hormonal disorders. In this case, it is known as a secondary hypertension. Çekirdekçi also explained that age, menopause, genetic factors are also effective in forming hypertension. Therefore, those who have a family history of hypertension in their family should be more careful. In addition, negative attitudes and behaviours can also increase the risk of developing hypertension.

There are three keys to help lead a healthier life; maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthy and having an active life. People must change their lifestyle if they are consuming nutrition with high calorie and food high in cholesterol and fat, having a weight over the recommended (obesity), not doing any exercise or doing very little, smoking and consuming alcohol. For treatment, most patients with hypertension need medication, in order to prevent heart attacks and strokes. The medicines should be used according to the doctor’s prescription and should be reported to the doctor without delay if any side effects occur.