The international community celebrates World Hypertension Day on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. This year's theme is: "Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it and live longer". In Senegal, the Ministry of Health and Social Action (MSAS) in collaboration with its partners intends to mark this day. It will be an opportunity to sensitize the population on the risks of this pathology commonly called "the silent killer" and its complications and also to provide information on its prevention, detection and treatment. Hypertension is a chronic disease, which is characterized by a too high pressure of blood on the artery walls, It is also a major cardiovascular risk factor, multiplying by 7 to 9 the risk of stroke, by 5 the risk of heart failure, by 3 that of coronary artery disease.
The extent of hypertension in the world and in Senegal
Worldwide, at least 970 million people have high blood pressure and 19% of deaths are related to this condition. Of these hypertensives, about 640 million live in developing countries.
In Senegal, hypertension is becoming a real public health problem because of its magnitude and the severity of its complications. The prevalence of hypertension is estimated at 29.8% among people aged 18 to 69 years (STEPS, 2015). Of these individuals, only 46% are aware of their status and 17% are on treatment. Only 8% of all people with hypertension in Senegal, have controlled blood pressure.
Women (34.7%) are more affected than men (24.5%). Also, the prevalence of hypertension increases with age (from 11% in women aged 18 to 29 years to 57% in women aged 60 to 69 years). These findings reflect, on the one hand, a lack of knowledge among the general population about how to prevent hypertension, and on the other hand, a need to strengthen the capacities of health care personnel in the management of this condition.
The work of the Division of Non-Communicable Disease Control (DNCD) of MSAS
The fight against hypertension is a challenge for the Ministry of Health and Social Action (MSAS). To this end, strategies have been developed to fight cardiovascular diseases in order to reduce the prevalence of hypertension as well as the complications related to this pathology.
These strategies focus on strengthening community-based screening for hypertension, early diagnosis and treatment of hypertensive patients, and regular follow-up to ensure disease control.
With the support of partners, MSAS through DLMNT was able to :
- Develop standards documents and protocols for the prevention and management of diabetes and hypertension in order to harmonize the management of these diseases in the health structures
- Strengthen the skills of health providers in health centers, health posts
- Enhance the technical platform of health structures by providing them with blood pressure monitors, ECG, ABPM, etc.
Orient community health actors on how to prevent hypertension and equip them with blood pressure monitors for early detection of hypertension and referral of suspected cases.
The means of prevention
Monitoring of the treatment is essential for patients, especially regular blood pressure measurements. Never stop or reduce your treatment without medical advice.
It is also useful to accompany the drug treatment with hygiene and dietary measures:
To avoid hypertension and cardiovascular complications, the following measures should be encouraged:
- A balanced diet, low in salt and fat, rich in fruits, vegetables and fish.
- Regular physical activity of 30 to 45 minutes, at least 3 to 4 times a week (walking, running, cycling, swimming,...)
- Avoiding tobacco, and quitting for smokers
- Insist, finally, on the need for every adult subject to "measure his or her blood pressure accurately and control it".
