Hypertension
is a silent, invisible killer that rarely causes symptoms. Increasing public awareness
is key, as is access to early detection. Raised blood pressure is a serious warning sign that significant
lifestyle changes are urgently needed. People need to know why raised blood pressure is
dangerous, and how to take steps to control it. They need to know that raised blood pressure and
other risk factors such as diabetes often appear together. To raise this kind of awareness, countries
need systems and services in place to promote universal health coverage and support healthy
lifestyles : eating a balanced diet, reducing salt intake, avoiding harmful use of alcohol, getting
regular exercise and shunning tobacco. Access to good quality medicines, which are effective and
inexpensive, is also vital, particularly at the primary care level. As with other noncommunicable
diseases, awareness aids early detection while self-care helps ensure regular intake of medication,
healthy behaviours and better control of the condition