The Hypertension Unit of Metropolitan General provides high-level evaluation and treatment of arterial hypertension, as well as early diagnosis and prevention of associated organ damage. The Unit’s supervising cardiologists are highly specialized, with extensive clinical and research experience.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition characterized by elevated arterial blood pressure. It affects approximately one quarter of the general population, with prevalence increasing with age. It is considered a silent and insidious condition, as it usually presents without symptoms and acts as a “toxic bond” within our health portfolio. Its complications make it the leading cause of death worldwide.
Early diagnosis and effective treatment play a crucial role in the successful management of hypertension. Despite the wide range of antihypertensive medications currently available, three quarters of hypertensive individuals are aware of their condition, only half receive treatment, and unfortunately only one in four - or at best one in three - successfully achieves target blood pressure levels. Worldwide, approximately 800 million hypertensive patients remain inadequately controlled.
Causes
One of the major causes of undiagnosed hypertension, delayed treatment, and poor blood pressure control appears to be the underestimation, by both physicians and patients, of the importance of accurate and reliable blood pressure measurement, proper measurement technique, and the use of certified blood pressure monitoring devices.
Modern Treatment Approaches
Every patient with hypertension should actively participate in the management of their condition, as effective treatment depends equally on medical care provided in the clinic and on proper management at home.
The adoption of the following lifestyle and non-pharmacological measures constitutes an integral part of treatment, as they can significantly reduce blood pressure, often with benefits equivalent to at least one antihypertensive medication:
- Aerobic exercise
- Salt restriction
- Weight reduction
- Limitation of excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking cessation
- Mediterranean diet
In addition, highly effective antihypertensive medications are available, including fixed-dose combinations of two or three different agents in a single tablet. These combination therapies improve patient compliance and contribute to better blood pressure control.
Effective treatment of hypertension leads to a substantial reduction in cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and kidney disease requiring dialysis, while also reducing cardiovascular mortality and improving patients’ quality of life.
Because hypertension is typically asymptomatic, regular and accurate blood pressure monitoring is essential for early diagnosis and effective treatment. Close collaboration between the patient and the treating physician is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving the full benefits of treatment, including reduced mortality and disability, as well as significant improvement in quality of life.
Physician in Charge: Papavasileiou Maria, Cardiologist - ESH Clinical Hypertension Specialist