IS A RECORD, BUT THE FIGHT AGAINST HYPERTENSION CONTINUES.AS MANY AS 49% TESTED WITH EXCEEDED PRESSURE VALUES
Exceeded systolic blood pressure values in 49% subjects, diastolic blood pressure in 32%, and both parameters at the same time in 25%, are just some of the data from the summary of the results of preventive tests carried out throughout Poland, traditionally carried out as part of the Servier for the Heart campaign, which this year was accompanied by the slogan "Go for the record. Win against hypertension'. This year's 19th edition of Servier for Heart's nationwide prevention and education campaign focused on building awareness and education towards the health benefits of controlling and properly treating hypertension. It culminated in the setting of the official Polish Record for the highest number of people simultaneously measuring their blood pressure.
Hypertension is still one of the most common cardiovascular risk factors, which, if not properly controlled, can lead to a number of complications ranging from myocardial hypertrophy, vascular lesions, kidney dysfunction to heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal in their consequences. Data from the National Health Fund show[1]that nearly 10 million adult Poles were diagnosed with hypertension in 2018. Hypertension may not cause any symptoms for many years, and the first non-specific warning signals are usually ignored by patients. For this reason, it is thought that the problem of hypertension may affect up to 12 million Poles.
Meanwhile, the simplest way to avoid health complications is prevention and the associated early detection and subsequent elimination of commonly known risk factors. Regular measurement of blood pressure, above all performed by oneself at home, is the easiest way to find out whether its values are not elevated and whether it is time for a cardiological consultation, which can protect against the dangerous consequences of untreated hypertension.
As part of this year's Servier for Heart campaign, education and information activities were once again undertaken in collaboration with experts, this time pointing out, among other things, the health benefits of controlling and properly treating hypertension. - "With this year's edition, the Servier Cardiac Clinic has returned to an inpatient formula with its preventive testing offerings - it's a great joy to be close to people again and to be there for them." - underlines Ewa Ciepałowicz, CSR and Internal Communication Manager of Servier Polska, representative of the organiser of the Servier for Heart prevention and education campaign.
Free preventive examinations for cardiovascular diseases were organised in selected Polish cities, including: measurement of blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels and determination of the body mass index (BMI). In justified cases, there was an opportunity for a cardiology consultation and extended specialised diagnostics (ECG examination of the heart). This year's Servier Cardiology Clinic route included: Bydgoszcz, Zabrze, Rzeszów, Lublin, Białystok and Warsaw.
WHY MEASURE BLOOD PRESSURE? REGIONAL SURVEYS
As part of the 19th edition of the Servier for the Heart campaign, a total of 627 people took up the offer of free testing, of whom 62% were women and 38% were men. The average age of the patients was just over 57 years.
Arterial pressures in as many as 25% subjects exceeded values of 140/90 mmHg. Elevated systolic pressure (above 140 mmHg) occurred in 49% subjects, and elevated diastolic pressure (above 90 mmHg) was recorded in 32%. Six patients had systolic pressures above 200 mmHg. Diagnosed hypertension was declared by 41% respondents, but as many as 5% admitted to not being treated despite the diagnosis.
The study participants also included people who had experienced cardiovascular sequelae as a consequence of various cardiovascular risk factors and lack of adequate blood pressure control: 27 had a history of myocardial infarction and 12 patients had suffered a stroke.
The glucose levels of 8% subjects exceeded 140 mg/dl, and for three subjects this parameter exceeded 200 mg/dl. When total cholesterol levels were determined, as many as 49% subjects scored above 190 mg/dl.
75% of all patients had an elevated body mass index (BMI above 25) suggesting overweight, and among these, as many as 32% exceeded 30, indicating obesity.
The results of the lifestyle survey are encouraging. As many as 87% of the respondents declared that they do not smoke cigarettes, of which as many as 45% admit that they have never smoked. Physical activity was confirmed by as many as 75% of all visitors to the Servier Cardiology Outpatient Clinic, of whom 23% declared that they were regular in this regard.
GO FOR THE RECORD. WIN AGAINST HYPERTENSION!
A unique feature of this year's Servier for the Heart campaign was the official setting a Polish record in the highest number of simultaneous self-reported blood pressure measurements. The event, organised on 6 October 2022 at the Stodoła club in Warsaw, was attended by nearly 200 people.
"I am also delighted that the official setting of the Polish Record for the highest number of simultaneous self-administered blood pressure measurements has happened to us. This symbolic certificate, confirming that a record has been set, is at the same time proof of how easy it is to measure blood pressure, and that it is the simplest way of control, thanks to which we can take care of our health." - underlines Ewa Ciepałowicz.
All the activities of this year's Servier for Heart campaign involved the Ambassador of the 19th edition - Piotr Gruszka, volleyball player, coach and record-holder in terms of the number of matches played in the Polish national team.
"Servier's Campaign for the Heart has been continuously directing Poles' attention to the problem of cardiovascular disease prevention since 2003. In this year's edition, we have gone back to the source, so to speak, by bringing the subject of hypertension to the fore. Although it is one of the most common cardiovascular risk factors, and one that can be treated effectively, it is still not given the attention it deserves in the public consciousness; too often it is consciously or unconsciously ignored by patients, posing a real threat to their health and life". - indicates Cepalovich.
This year's campaign was supported by the Polish Cardiac Society and the Polish Hypertension Society.
The campaign has received patronage from: Nationwide Association of Patients with Heart and Vascular Diseases ECOSerce, Polish Association of People with Heart Failure and the Institute for Patient Rights and Health Education.
OMRON was a partner in the attempt to set the Polish Record for the highest number of simultaneous self-administered blood pressure measurements.
Read more about the campaign at www.dbajoserce.pl and www.facebook.com/dbajoserce.
[1] National Health Fund on Health. Hypertension, Department of Analysis and Strategy, National Health Fund, 2019https://www.nfz.gov.pl/aktualnosci/aktualnosci-centrali/raport-nfz-nadcisnienie-tetnicze,7352.html [accessed 23.11.2022].