WHO's Report on High Blood Pressure Spotlights Vital Role of Physical Activity
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its inaugural report addressing the profound global consequences of high blood pressure. Beyond shedding light on the gravity of this pervasive health issue, the report underscores the pivotal role of physical activity as a cornerstone in the fight against hypertension.
Hypertension, characterized by elevated blood pressure levels, presents a significant and growing public health concern worldwide. The WHO report delves into the intricate interplay between physical activity and blood pressure regulation. Engaging in regular physical activity induces a cascade of physiological responses that mitigate hypertension risk while fostering short- and long-term autonomic and haemodynamic adaptations.
A noteworthy revelation within the report is the robust inverse correlation observed between physical activity and the incidence of hypertension among adults with normal blood pressure. Furthermore, the data unequivocally affirms that physical activity effectively reduces blood pressure levels in adults with both prehypertension and normal blood pressure. Individuals who incorporate physical activity into their routines can experience a notable reduction in systolic blood pressure by approximately 12 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 6 mmHg when compared to sedentary counterparts.
However, the benefits of physical activity extend far beyond mere blood pressure control. Emerging evidence underscores its capacity to significantly enhance health-related quality of life among individuals living with hypertension. Recommendations for those affected by hypertension encompass aerobic activity, muscle-strengthening exercises, or a combination of both, to effectively curb the progression of cardiovascular diseases.
In stark contrast, the report also underscores the detrimental consequences of sedentary lifestyles, particularly over prolonged durations. Such habits have been indisputably linked to elevated all-cause mortality, increased cardiovascular mortality, and a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases.
The WHO report serves as an urgent call to action, projecting that without addressing the issue of physical inactivity, nearly 240 million new, preventable hypertension cases will arise globally between 2020 and 2030, carrying a substantial healthcare cost of over Int$ 115 billion.
As we grapple with the escalating burden of high blood pressure globally, WHO's report compels individuals, communities, and policymakers to recognize the indispensable role of physical activity in the fight against hypertension. This acknowledgment carries the potential to not only save lives but also alleviate the significant financial burden on healthcare systems worldwide.
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