As few as one in four high blood pressure sufferers in the UAE have been diagnosed with the potentially deadly condition because they fail to regularly have their blood pressure checked, says a Dubai-based healthcare professional, ahead of World Hypertension Day on 17 May.
And, of those diagnosed, only one in three individuals is properly medically treated for the high blood pressure condition which doctors refer to as hypertension.
Anyone can suffer from hypertension, but certain factors can seriously aggravate hypertension and increase the risk of complications: smoking, obesity, diabetes, kidney diseases, high alcohol intake, excessive salt intake, and lack of exercise.
Dr. Wael Al Mahmeed, Consultant Cardiologist and President of Emirates Cardiac Society, said: "Hypertension is a silent killer, so UAE residents who are middle aged should know all their numbers – weight, cholesterol level, haemoglobin a1c
and, most importantly, blood pressure. Those with high blood pressure – systolic 140, diastolic 90 or more – should seek medical advice about the possibility of treatment including prescribed medicines for the chronic condition."
Manufactured by Swiss drug giant, Novartis, Valsartan (Diovan) is the top selling high blood pressure drug in the world, approved by the US FDA and the European Medicines Agency for treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure, and post-myocardial infarction.
It has been scientifically proven that Valsartan has several medical advantages in addition to its use to treat high blood pressure. Valsartan also helps to reduce the new onset of diabetes and reduces chances of strokes for high blood pressure patients.
About Novartis
For more information about Novartis, please visit www.novartis.com.
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