Every sixth hypertensive in Bulgaria does not know about his disease!

This month marks the launch of the International League of Hypertension’s largest synchronized global health campaign, May, Month to Measure. The campaign aims to raise our awareness and highlight the importance of measuring blood pressure. The topic comments in the program “Healthy Compass” of BNR-Radio Blagoevgrad Prof. Dr. Krasimira Hristova, president of the Association for Non-Invasive Imaging Diagnostics and medical director of the Center for Cardiovascular Diseases – Sofia.

“Arterial hypertension is a serious medical, social and economic problem worldwide and affects more and more young people. Every year, about 7 million people in the world die from the complications of arterial hypertension. This mortality rate in Bulgaria is extremely high – about 68%, and 10% of them are due to hypertensive disease. There are nearly 2 million patients with arterial hypertension in Bulgaria, which means that every sixth hypertensive in Bulgaria does not know about their disease, and every third ignores the treatment of high blood pressure. The bad thing is that the age limit is falling more and more, as 5% of children and adolescents have arterial hypertension in Bulgaria” – summed up Prof. Krasimira Hristova. In words and reasons are poor blood pressure control, neglect of the disease because many believe that it is a disease of the elderly, which is extremely wrong. 1-2 times a month a person should measure their blood pressure to see what is happening. With higher values ​​of 140/90 and if they are repeated during measurements, it is imperative to contact the personal physician, a cardiologist and take measures for treatment. On the other hand, the way of eating, stress, immobilization of people are part of the factors that predispose to the development of arterial hypertension.

Bulgaria ranks first in Europe in cerebrovascular mortality

“In terms of strokes, the figure is really startling, because yes – Bulgaria ranks first in Europe in terms of cerebrovascular mortality, which does not speak well for our country. While cardiovascular diseases in the face of acute myocardial infarction, these conditions were controlled. Namely, the quick access of patients to intensive care to catheterization, reduced the risks. There are few centers where they can treat strokes invasively. Neurologists are a little skeptical about the application of thrombolytic treatment, which can be life-saving for the brain in the first hour and a half or two after the onset of stroke. The lack of centers to train personnel to work in this direction is one part. It is extremely important to have inwithIn every large city and in every town where there is a hospital, such a center should be located where trained doctors can administer thrombolysis. Because it is very important in the first 90 minutes, by the 3rd hour of the onset of the stroke that this takes place.”

Atrial fibrillation – to what extent arterial hypertension is a risk factor

“We have a different approach to atrial fibrillation. On the one hand, a large part of the blood pressure devices are equipped with the so-called AFIB technology, namely for the detection of atrial fibrillation, without an ECG. This can also be done at home. But we must say that this screening should then be followed up with heart rhythm monitoring with an EKG to prove that this is actually atrial fibrillation and not just a “skipping” of the heart – what extrasystoles are – another type arrhythmia. Patients, having established this on these devices at home, should also be referred to a specialist, who will continue the diagnosis from here on. To what extent is arterial hypertension a risk factor for atrial fibrillation? Yes – there is evidence in this direction, namely that especially when arterial hypertension is not well controlled, it leads to a change in the contractility of the chamber and a change in the size of the left atrium. It is precisely this sinus node responsible for the normal sinus rhythm of the heart that is located there. the patients.”.

The cardiologist recommended that people with arterial hypertension must have an echocardiogram at least every 2 years with good blood pressure control. If a certain disease is not present, once every five years is enough to do prophylactically.

More movement and walks in nature, positive emotions, reduce salt consumption, measure blood pressure more often. If arterial hypertension is diagnosed, follow the prescribed treatment.