World Hypertension Day | With Prevalence Over 30%, Do You Know These 4 Key Facts?

May 17

marks the 21st World Hypertension Day.

This year’s theme is:

“Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately,Control It,Live Longer.”

The message highlights the importance of accurate measurement and effective blood pressure control

in promoting long-term health and longevity.

Hypertension

is one of the most common chronic conditions in China.

As people age,

its prevalence rises sharply,

making prevention and control an increasingly serious public health challenge.

About These 4 Key Facts on Hypertension—

Do you know them?


According to data from the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases,the prevalence of hypertension among adults aged 18 and older is 31.6%,affecting an estimated 245 million people.[1]

The prevalence of hypertension is higher in men(36.8%)than in women(26.3%),and higher in rural areas(33.7%)than in urban areas(29.1%).

Among adults aged 18 and older,the rates of hypertension awareness,treatment,and control are 43.3%,38.7%,and 12.9%,respectively.In other words,nearly 60%of people don’t even know they have high blood pressure.


A single elevated blood pressure reading does not necessarily mean you have hypertension.

In China,hypertension is diagnosed when—without taking blood pressure–lowering medication—three measurements taken on different days show a systolic pressure above 140 mmHg and a diastolic pressure above 90 mmHg.(See the figure below for details.)


Common symptoms of high blood pressure include heart palpitations,headaches,neck stiffness,dizziness,and fatigue.However,many people feel no obvious symptoms at all aside from elevated readings.In fact,this symptom-free hypertension is even more dangerous.

That’s why hypertension is often called the“silent killer.”Without clear warning signs,it can quietly damage vital organs—including the heart,brain,kidneys,and eyes—leading to serious,even life-threatening complications over time.



The causes of hypertension are complex,and in most cases it cannot be cured.It is typically managed through long-term use of antihypertensive medications,which may be associated with side effects such as metabolic disturbances or liver and kidney stress.As a result,there is strong interest in supportive approaches that may help lower blood pressure with fewer side effects.

As a novel medical gas molecule,molecular hydrogen is non-toxic,extremely small in size,and highly permeable.These properties have drawn attention to its potential role as an adjunct therapy in cardiovascular health[2].


A research team led by Professor Qin Shucun at Shandong First Medical University reported that hydrogen-oxygen inhalation showed a positive effect on blood pressure regulation.Their findings were published in Frontiers in Pharmacology[3].

This research points to a promising supportive approach for people with hypertension who are seeking additional,low-risk options for blood pressure management.

References:

[1]National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases,"China Cardiovascular Health and Disease Report(2023)".

[2]Li L,Li X,Zhang Z,Liu L,Zhou Y,Liu F.Protective Mechanism and Clinical Application of Hydrogen in Myocardial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury.Pak J Biol Sci.2020 Jan;23(2):103-112.

[3]Liu B,Jiang X,Xie Y,Jia X,Zhang J,Xue Y,Qin S.The effect of a low dose hydrogen-oxygen mixture inhalation in midlife/older adults with hypertension:A randomized,placebo-controlled trial.Front Pharmacol.2022 Oct 7;13:1025487.