Eighty-four deaths per hour, 829 per day and more than 302,000 in the entire year of 2017. These are the numbers of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes in Brazil, whose main risk factor is high blood pressure. According to the Ministry of Health, high blood pressure affects one in four adult Brazilians.
On the National Day to Combat Hypertension, celebrated today (26), the ministry warns that excessive consumption of sodium, the main component of salt, increases the risk of hypertension and heart disease. Two-thirds of salt consumption by the Brazilian population comes from salt added directly to the plate. The numbers show that Brazilians consume more than twice – almost 12 grams (g) – the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
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Ministry data also reveal that, although 90% of men and 70% of women consume more salt than the recommended maximum, 85.1% of adult Brazilians consider their salt consumption adequate.
To combat hypertension, the ministry recommends adopting a healthy lifestyle from childhood to old age and having routine health check-ups at least once in the year. The practice of physical exercises is another habit recommended by the folder.
Currently, the Unified Health System (SUS) provides medicines for hypertension in basic health units and in about 31,000 pharmaceutical units accredited to the Popular Pharmacy program.
To pick up the medicine, you must present an identity document with a photo, CPF and medical prescription within the validity period (120 days). The prescription can be issued by a professional from the public network or from hospitals and private clinics.
