Turkey's Hypertension Rate Above World Average

High Blood Pressure Rates in Turkey Exceed Global Average Cardiologist Dr. Ersin Özen from Anadolu Health Center, commenting on high blood pressure disease, stated that the rate of hypertension in Turkey is above the global average. Globally, 27% of the adult population has hypertension, and it is projected that this rate will reach 29% by 2025. Cardiologist Dr. Ersin Özen from Anadolu Health Center provided information about hypertension on the occasion of 11-17 April Heart Health Week and said that the rate of hypertension, or high blood pressure, in Turkey is above the global average.

Hypertension Prevalence in Turkey Between 25-32 Percent

There are 1.5 billion hypertension patients worldwide, and these figures are increasing daily. Cardiologist Dr. Ersin Özen from Anadolu Health Center made statements about the disease during the 11-17 April Heart Health Week. Dr. Ersin Özen stated, "The prevalence of hypertension in Turkey is between 25-32 percent. Contrary to what is believed, high blood pressure is more common in women in our country; we encounter 10 percent more high blood pressure problems in women." According to the guidelines of the European Cardiology Society and Turkish Cardiology Society, blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg is evaluated as hypertension. However, the latest guideline from the American Cardiology Society indicates that pressure above 130/80 mmHg is considered hypertension, or high blood pressure.

If Your Parents or Close Relatives Have Hypertension, You Are Likely to Have It Too

Dr. Ersin Özen emphasized that the cause of hypertension is largely unknown and stated, "Although the cause is unknown, we know the factors that facilitate the development of the problem. Among these, heredity, excessive salt use, age increase, race, gender, stress, smoking, excess weight, air pollution, high cholesterol and diabetes stand out." He also mentioned genetic predisposition, noting that women have a 10 percent higher rate of hypertension. Özen said: "If your parents or close relatives have hypertension, you are likely to have it as well. However, let us not forget that lifestyle choices enable many people with a family history of high blood pressure to be protected from hypertension."

"Preferring a Low-Carbohydrate Mediterranean Diet is Best"

Emphasizing the importance of weight control in hypertension, Dr. Ersin Özen said, "It is best to prefer a low-calorie, fat-free, low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet. Patients in the prehypertension stage should try to protect themselves from this condition by implementing lifestyle changes. Hypertension patients would do well to exercise for at least 15-20 minutes daily by doing simple physical movements at home or taking advantage of some beginner-level pilates, aerobics or yoga classes that can also be done online on social media." He shared these recommendations.

Many People Have High Blood Pressure for Years Without Realizing It

"It is generally believed that people with high blood pressure experience symptoms such as nervousness, sweating, and facial flushing. In reality, many people have high blood pressure for years without realizing it. Hypertension progresses silently, generally with no symptoms. You may not realize that it is damaging your arteries, heart and other organs," Özen said, expressing that it is difficult to detect the disease. Özen emphasized that the majority of hypertension patients do not experience typical symptoms and stated, "High blood pressure is also an important risk factor for stroke. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems."

Shared Seven Recommendations

Dr. Ersin Özen offered seven recommendations regarding lifestyle. Özen said: "Limit salt, maintain your ideal weight, increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables and reduce saturated fat intake, engage in regular physical activity, if you have a tobacco habit, quit, reduce your caffeine intake, try stress reduction methods, do not consume large amounts of mineral water or soda claiming to be 'healthy'."