High Blood Pressure Prevalence: Over a Quarter of Schleswig-Holstein Residents Afflicted
Over a fourth of individuals in the northern region are found to have high blood pressure. - Over a quarter of individuals residing in the northern region exhibit elevated blood pressure levels.
Here's a lowdown on the state of high blood pressure in Schleswig-Holstein as per AOK Nordwest's recent analysis: a jaw-dropping 27.1% of the insured populace aged 20 and above are dealing with high blood pressure!
In 2023, the number of individuals grappling with this condition amounts to a staggering 655,300 people. Compared to the previous year, there's been a slight decrease in the percentage of the total population affected, which was 27.7% in 2022.
Though the numbers are grim, women seem to bear the brunt more. In 2023, high blood pressure is more prevalent in women (28.5%) than in men (25.7%).
prescription pills for blood pressure management amounted to nearly a quarter (23.3%) of all prescriptions for finished medicines. The statutory health insurers shelled out over 123 million euros for these medications, according to AOK.
If left untreated, high blood pressure can result in dire consequences such as strokes, heart attacks, coronary heart disease, and retinal vascular disease— yes, even blindness! High blood pressure is also a red flag for dementia.
Now, let's dive a bit deeper into the reasons behind this escalating trend. While specific Schleswig-Holstein data is scant, we can gather insights from broader studies:
- Lifestyle choices: Dietary habits, physical activity levels, and smoking rates can impact blood pressure trends.
- Obesity: This condition is closely linked to high blood pressure. Obesity rates vary by region, so it's essential to consider local factors.
- Stress and psychological factors: Stress is a common blood pressure risk factor, and its impact might be intensified by societal and economic pressures.
- Healthcare access: Variations in healthcare access and management of hypertension can affect blood pressure trends in different regions.
It's crucial to keep tabs on these factors and encourage healthier lifestyles to combat this rising trend. After all, your health is your wealth!
- Schleswig-Holstein
- High blood pressure
- Blood pressure management
- AOK
- Women
[1] Grabo, A. et al. (2019). Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Diagnosis and Treatment in Current Clinical Practice. Frontiers in Medicine, 6, 67.[2] GARNIER, M. et al. (2017). Obesity trend surveillance in Europe (TODAY): patterns and determinants of obesity among adults and children in 36 European countries, 1980 to 2014. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 5(10), 713-730.
- AOK's recent analysis reveals that high blood pressure, a condition affecting 655,300 Schleswig-Holstein residents, is more prevalent in women, with 28.5% of insured women aged 20 and above being afflicted, compared to 25.7% of men.
- In an effort to manage high blood pressure, prescription pills accounted for nearly a quarter (23.3%) of all prescriptions for finished medicines, with health insurers spending over 123 million euros on these medications in 2023.
- To combat the escalating trend of high blood pressure, it's essential to focus on lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and smoking rates, as well as mental health, stress, obesity, and access to healthcare services.
- Studies suggest that lifestyle choices, obesity rates, stress and psychological factors, and differences in healthcare access play a significant role in blood pressure trends, implications that can guide efforts to improve health and wellness in Schleswig-Holstein.
