Take good care of your heart: 31.3 million Brazilians suffered from hypertension in 2013
August 14, 2017 09h00 AM | Last Updated: September 04, 2017 09h21 AM
If you usually have headaches, feel dizzy, have blurred vision, or get suddenly tired, you’d better see a cardiologist. If you have none of those symptoms, but are over 35, you’d better do the same. High blood pressure is a major cause of deaths in Brazil: according to the National Survey of Health, in 2013, it affected 31.2 million persons aged 18 and over all over the country, 14.9 million in the Southeast Region alone. Among the employed population, a total 14.2 persons had been diagnosed with hypertension.
See also:
Surveys about the health of Brazilians are now in preparation
The Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC) recommends that, besides seeking medical help, one should develop health habits in order to prevent cardiovascular diseases: reduce the ingestion of salt, sweets and fats, exercise regularly and avoid self medication.
Hypertension is related to heredity, obesity, stress, bad eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. The SBC promotes an ongoing campaign to raise awareness about the importance of a regular visit to the doctor for blood pressure assessment. They emphasize that the risk of cardiovascular problems rises in the winter, due to the increased ingestion of heavy, high-fat food. It is also important to keep warm and choose indoor exercises where one can be protected from the cold.
On August 14, we celebrate the Cardioologist's Day. Take this opportunity and go see your doctor!
Text: Eduardo Peret
Image: Freepick
