On this May 17, Paraguay joins the global World Hypertension Day campaign, with the motto “Controlling hypertension together: control your blood pressure regularly, defeat the silent killer.” The date aims to raise awareness about the prevention, detection, and control of high blood pressure, a condition affecting 38.6% of the Paraguayan population, according to data from the Ministry of Health.
Hypertension is considered the leading preventable cause of premature death worldwide, affecting about 1.4 billion people, many of whom are unaware of their health status. Only one in four people with hypertension has their blood pressure under control, despite the availability of affordable treatments. The disease is called the “silent killer” because it presents no symptoms in most cases, but significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and premature death.
The vice president of the Paraguayan Society of Cardiology, Dr. Manuel Castillo, highlighted that salt consumption in the country is almost three times higher than the limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which suggests a limit of 5 grams per day. This excess is one of the main factors contributing to the high prevalence of hypertension in Paraguay.
Health authorities emphasize the need for regular blood pressure measurements, adoption of healthy lifestyles from childhood — such as a balanced diet, physical activity, smoking cessation, and reduced alcohol consumption — and adherence to prescribed medical treatment. Effective and affordable medications are available to prevent complications, provided they are used continuously with professional follow-up.