12M Vietnamese Have Hypertension, 80% Do Not Receive Treatment

Around 12 million Vietnamese have hypertension, meaning that one in every five people has the issue, according to information at a seminar on cardiovascular disease held in Hanoi on April 25. Up to 60% of these people have not detected the issue while 79% of people with cardiovascular disease do not have any consultation and preventive measures. The number of people with high blood pressure in Vietnam has rapidly grown as a consequence of unhealthy diet, not enough exercises and consumption of tobacco and alcohol. In order to prevent non-communication diseases like this, the government has signed a national strategy for 2015-2025 period. The strategy does not only outline measures to reduce above factors but also suggests developing a system of preventive medicine and healthcare that provide preventive services for the early detection of the diseases. The system will also offer regular health checks and help change high-risk behavior. (Quan Doi Nhan Dan – The People Army; Nhan Dan – The People; VTV Apr 25)