In France, more than 6 million people are unaware they have hypertension, according to a 2023 survey by Public Health France. This represents a third of the 17 million French people affected.
This situation is particularly concerning because high blood pressure is often called the “silent killer,” as pointed out by the magazine 60 million consumers on June 12. The disease can lead to serious cardiovascular problems.
An Invisible but Devastating Condition
A key characteristic of hypertension is that the disease typically progresses without noticeable symptoms for years before it becomes more severe. In France, hypertension is the leading cause of stroke risk and the second leading cause of myocardial infarction. It is also linked to chronic kidney failure and early forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Major risk factors include age, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and a diet high in salt. These factors contribute to a rise in blood pressure, which is the force exerted by blood once morest the artery walls. Over time, this increased pressure causes arteries to thicken and develop atherosclerosis, where fatty plaques and cholesterol build up, gradually obstructing blood flow and increasing cardiovascular risk.
The Critical Importance of Regular Screening
While crucial, blood pressure measurement is often neglected. “It is therefore essential to intensify screening,” Professor Jean-Marc Boivin, a hypertension specialist at the Nancy University Hospital, emphasized to the magazine.
He stresses that blood pressure measurement should be routine during general medical examinations and that all healthcare professionals should work together to ensure at least one annual blood pressure check for every individual.
Hypertension diagnosis is based on blood pressure measurement by a doctor using a blood pressure monitor. This device provides two values: systolic pressure (the maximum pressure when the heart contracts) and diastolic pressure (the minimum pressure when the heart relaxes). Hypertension is diagnosed when these values exceed 140 mmHg and 90 mmHg, respectively.
The Importance of Reliable Equipment for Self-Monitoring Blood Pressure
However, a single measurement at the doctor’s office may not be sufficient due to the “white coat” effect, where medical stress can distort the results. “However, downplaying this effect would be a mistake,” Professor Boivin says, recommending self-monitoring of blood pressure. This method allows patients to measure their blood pressure at home, in a calm environment, according to a rigorous protocol, providing more accurate results.
For self-measurement to be effective, using a reliable blood pressure monitor is essential. However, many devices on the market do not meet strict clinical standards, even if they bear the CE mark. A 2023 study in the Journal of Hypertension reveals that 81% of blood pressure monitors sold on Amazon are not validated, including the top-selling model, from the Chinese brand Aile.
Healthcare professionals recommend models with a humeral cuff because they allow for more accurate measurement at heart level. For a list of validated devices, patients can visit stridebp.org, which lists devices approved by the European Society of Hypertension, the International Society of Hypertension, and the World Hypertension League.
Hypertension: Watch Your Salt Intake!
Once equipped with an appropriate device, regular monitoring of blood pressure by both the patient and their doctor is crucial. As a first step, lifestyle changes are recommended, such as a balanced diet rich in potassium, regular physical activity, and reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption. These health and dietary measures can significantly lower blood pressure.
In cases of persistent hypertension, drug treatments are necessary. “To successfully treat a hypertensive patient, on average, two or three different drug classes must be used,” explains Professor Boivin. However, effective triple therapies are not yet reimbursed in France, unlike in other European countries.
More recently, a new therapeutic approach, renal denervation, has emerged as an alternative for patients with severe hypertension. This procedure, developed at the Georges-Pompidou European Hospital, involves interrupting nerve connections between the brain and the kidneys using a catheter, permanently lowering blood pressure.
Photo credit: DR (illustration photo)
[cc] Breizh-info.com, 2024, dispatches free to copy and distribute subject to mention and link to the original source
Hypertension: A Silent Killer Affecting Millions in France
More than 6 million people in France are unknowingly living with hypertension, representing a third of the 17 million affected by this silent killer, according to figures from a 2023 survey by Public Health France. The concern stems from the fact that hypertension often remains undetected, progressing silently for years before potentially leading to serious cardiovascular problems.
The Silent Threat: Recognizing the Danger of Hypertension
Hypertension’s insidious nature lies in its largely asymptomatic progression during its early stages. In France, it holds the distinction of being the leading cause of stroke risk and the second leading cause of heart attack. Beyond these immediate risks, hypertension is also associated with chronic kidney failure and premature forms of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease.
Several risk factors contribute to the development of hypertension, including:
- Age
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- High-salt diet
These factors lead to an increase in blood pressure, the force exerted by blood on artery walls. Chronic elevated pressure results in artery thickening and atherosclerosis, where fatty plaques accumulate, obstructing blood flow and heightening cardiovascular risk.
Prioritizing Regular Blood Pressure Screening
Despite its importance, regular blood pressure monitoring is often overlooked. Professor Jean-Marc Boivin, a hypertension specialist at Nancy University Hospital, emphasizes the necessity of increased screening. He advocates for routine blood pressure checks during general medical consultations and encourages a collaborative approach amongst healthcare professionals to ensure that everyone receives at least one annual blood pressure measurement.
Diagnosing hypertension involves measuring blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer, providing two readings: systolic pressure (maximum pressure during heart contraction) and diastolic pressure (minimum pressure during heart relaxation). Hypertension is diagnosed when these readings surpass 140 mmHg and 90 mmHg respectively.
Home Blood Pressure Monitoring: Importance and Accuracy
However, a single office reading can be misleading due to the “white coat” effect, where medical stress can alter results. Professor Boivin recommends self-monitoring blood pressure at home in a calm setting, following a rigorous protocol to achieve more accurate readings. While home monitoring offers greater accuracy, it’s crucial to use reliable blood pressure monitors.
The market is flooded with various devices, but not all meet strict clinical standards despite bearing the CE mark. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Hypertension revealed that 81% of blood pressure monitors sold on Amazon, including the best-selling model from Aile, are not validated. Healthcare professionals advocate for models with a humeral cuff, which measure at heart level for greater accuracy. For a list of validated devices, patients can consult stridebp.org, which features devices approved by the European Society of Hypertension, the International Society of Hypertension, and the World Hypertension League.
Hypertension: Managing the Condition
Regular blood pressure monitoring by both the patient and their doctor is essential following acquiring a reliable device. Lifestyle adjustments are crucial:
- Adhering to a balanced diet rich in potassium
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption
These measures can significantly decrease blood pressure. However, in cases of persistent hypertension, medication is necessary. Professor Boivin emphasizes that on average, two or three different pharmacological classes are required to effectively treat a hypertensive patient. Despite its efficacy, triple therapy is currently not reimbursed in France, unlike in other European countries.
A more recent therapeutic approach, renal denervation, offers an alternative for patients with severe hypertension. This procedure, developed at the Georges-Pompidou European Hospital, uses a catheter to interrupt nerve connections between the brain and the kidneys, resulting in a permanent decrease in blood pressure.
Photo credit: DR (illustration photo)
[cc] Breizh-info.com, 2024, dispatches free to copy and distribute subject to mention and link to the original source
health, cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, dementia, lifestyle changes, medication, renal denervation." />
