Chockalingam Arun
Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia.
Can J Cardiol. 2007 May 15;23(7):517-9. doi: 10.1016/s0828-282x(07)70795-x.
It is estimated that nearly one billion people are affected by hypertension worldwide, and this figure is predicted to increase to 1.5 billion by 2025. Nearly one-half of this population are unaware of their condition. Hypertension is the primary risk factor for heart disease and stroke. World Hypertension Day (WHD) has been an initiative of the World Hypertension League to raise hypertension awareness. In the past two years, many countries have taken an active part in promoting awareness through a number of initiatives in their respective countries. In Canada, WHD was a resounding success in 2005 and 2006, and major plans are underway for WHD 2007. The success of the Canadian WHD depends mainly on the partnership and shared values of all stakeholders, including professional societies, nongovernment organizations, government agencies and industry. Although it is too early to assess the impact of hypertension, it is evident that the countries involved are taking hypertension in the population seriously and are moving in the right direction. If the momentum continues, a drastic reduction in the prevalence of worldwide hypertension can be anticipated.
据估计，全球有近10亿人受到高血压影响，预计到2025年这一数字将增至15亿。其中近一半的人不知道自己患有高血压。高血压是心脏病和中风的主要危险因素。世界高血压日（WHD）是世界高血压联盟发起的一项提高高血压认知度的倡议。在过去两年里，许多国家通过各自国内的一系列倡议积极参与提高认知度活动。在加拿大，2005年和2006年的世界高血压日取得了巨大成功，目前正在为2007年世界高血压日制定重大计划。加拿大世界高血压日的成功主要取决于所有利益相关者的伙伴关系和共同价值观，这些利益相关者包括专业协会、非政府组织、政府机构和企业。虽然现在评估高血压的影响还为时过早，但显然相关国家正在认真对待民众中的高血压问题，并朝着正确的方向前进。如果这一势头持续下去，预计全球高血压患病率将大幅下降。
