Expert recommendations on the challenges of hypertension in Asia

Abstract

A consensus meeting of leading Asian hypertension experts was held in January 2007 in Seoul, Korea, to discuss how to address the growing challenge of hypertension management in the region. This report summarises key recommendations from the group, including: raising public awareness about the impact of hypertension; improving physician education and training; increasing early detection, for example through routine blood pressure measurement; and development and adoption of pan-Asian treatment guidelines, which would greatly facilitate research into hypertension and its management. The group conclude that these challenges can only be met through a collaborative effort of government, healthcare professionals, food and healthcare industries, and patients and the public. Food and healthcare industries need to develop healthy foods and support healthy living programmes, while increasing research into antihypertensive medications in Asia. Government officials and policy makers need to be made aware of the value of investing in hypertension awareness, prevention and management programmes.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Prehypertension

“…38 Furthermore, to ensure easy access to BP measurement and to enhance HT awareness, the recent consensus meeting of leading Asian HT experts recommended installing self-help BP monitoring devices in public locations such as community centers and government offices. 4 Both initiatives will require government funding and support. In view of this, nurses could act as community advocates to help policy makers understand the value of investing in resources for improving the awareness, prevention, and management of HT and its benefits to the community as a whole in the long run.…”

“…5 Economically, cardiovascular mortality associated with HT is predicted to cost US $6 million to $9 million per year until 2030, with a particular emphasis on the proportion of people of working age (35Y64 years). 4 The economic impact is even greater when taking into account its associated effects of sickness and disability. Considering the substantial mortality, morbidity, and cost associated with poor BP control, HT has become a clinical and public health concern in both developed and developing countries.…”

“…3 Estimates from Asian countries suggest that HT accounted for 15% to 25% of deaths from ischemic heart disease, 30% to 55% from hemorrhagic stroke, and 30% to 40% from ischemic stroke. 4 In China, HT accounts for nearly 30% of the incidence of coronary heart disease among the adult population. 5 Economically, cardiovascular mortality associated with HT is predicted to cost US $6 million to $9 million per year until 2030, with a particular emphasis on the proportion of people of working age (35Y64 years).…”

Erratum to: Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Sacubitril/Valsartan (LCZ696): A Novel Angiotensin Receptor–Neprilysin Inhibitor

“…Amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, is a widely prescribed anti-hypertensive agent [85][86][87][88]. Metabolic clearance of amlodipine is primarily mediated by CYP3A4 [89] and is therefore not anticipated to be affected by co-administration of sacubitril/valsartan.…”

Association between urinary 8-OHdG and pulse wave velocity in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

“…(3) Further compounding matters, studies report that hyperglycaemia, increased blood pressure and oxidative stress can individually and/or concomitantly cause vascular damage, such as increased arterial stiffness. (4)(5)(6) The degree of arterial stiffness is often estimated using modalities such as pulse wave velocity (PWV); in fact, PWV is currently being used as a surrogate index for future CVD outcome.…”