Health warns of the importance of preventing and treating hypertension

Better known as high blood pressure, arterial hypertension affects around 27.9% of the Brazilian population, according to data from the Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel) 2023. Also according to the survey, the prevalence of medical diagnosis is higher among women (29.3%) than among men (26.4%) in the 27 Brazilian capitals. However, in both sexes, frequency increased with age and decreased with level of education.

With the aim of raising awareness among the Brazilian population about the importance of preventive diagnosis and adequate treatment, the date April 26th became known as the National Day to Prevent and Combat Arterial Hypertension, established by Law 10,439/2002.

Arterial hypertension is a multifactorial chronic condition, generally not associated with symptoms, characterized by a sustained increase in blood pressure levels (≥ 140 mmHg and/or ≥ 90 mmHg). It is considered one of the metabolic risk factors that most contribute to all causes of death and morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). As it is a silent illness, symptoms may or may not occur. When these appear, the main ones are: dizziness, shortness of breath, palpitations, frequent headache and changes in vision.

“Systemic arterial hypertension is considered a chronic non-communicable disease, as well as a risk factor for the occurrence of other cardiovascular diseases. Prevention and health promotion actions, such as physical activity, consumption of healthy foods, smoking cessation, stress management, improving sleep quality and reducing alcohol consumption, are essential strategies for well-being and health of people”, highlights the eventual replacement for the General Coordination of Prevention of Chronic Conditions in Primary Health Care, Élem Sampaio.

Proper and healthy eating

High blood pressure has no cure, but it can be prevented. The Ministry of Health, through the Department of Prevention and Health Promotion (Deppros), warns of the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle as fundamental to the prevention of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure.

According to nutritionist and technical consultant at the General Coordination of Food and Nutrition, Gleyce Araújo, diet is one of the determining factors for the occurrence of hypertension”, explains Gleyce.

Avoiding ultra-processed foods and increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, meats and whole grains, in addition to choosing natural seasonings to reduce the use of added salt in culinary preparations, are also important to develop a healthy and adequate diet.

A series of strategic actions are implemented by the ministry through the National Food Policy (Pnan), through the promotion of adequate and healthy eating practices, food and nutritional surveillance, prevention and comprehensive care of diseases related to food and nutrition.

Furthermore, the department has prioritized support for the implementation and monitoring of the new nutritional labeling of packaged foods (Anvisa Resolution 429/2020), which makes it mandatory to include a frontal warning seal (magnifying glass) warning about the presence of high sodium, sugar and saturated fat content, considered “critical nutrients” and whose excess consumption can lead to the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other chronic conditions.

Health and movement

In addition to adequate and healthy eating, physical activity is an essential ally in preventing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, which can increase the chance of developing high blood pressure and heart disease. It also helps with weight control and reduces the chance of developing some types of cancer.

“Regular practice of physical activity is an essential part of non-drug measures to prevent and treat high blood pressure. Regularly practicing leisure-time physical activities, especially vigorous ones, reduces the risk of developing AH by approximately 30%. Aerobic training reduces clinical systolic/diastolic high blood pressure in hypertensive patients by around 7/5 mmHg, in addition to reducing high blood pressure during wakefulness and in situations of physical and mental stress”, says the physical education professional and technical consultant at the Center of Promotion of Physical Activity (Nupaf), Deisy Terumi.

In addition to prevention, physical activity also helps in the treatment of those who already have high blood pressure. “According to national and international guidelines, all hypertensive patients should do aerobic exercises complemented by resistance exercises, either alone or in addition to drug treatment. The sooner physical activity is encouraged and becomes a habit in life, the greater the health benefits”, adds the Nupaf technical consultant.

Strategic actions are also developed throughout the national territory by the department to create environments conducive to healthy and accessible choices, such as the Physical Activity Financial Incentive program (IAF), the Health Academy (PAS) and technological tools for communication and health education and physical activity.

In addition, the ministry makes available the Physical Activity Guide for the Brazilian Population, published in 2021, with recommendations to encourage the reduction of sedentary behavior in different life cycles, in pregnant women and postpartum women, in people with disabilities and in school physical education.