Hypertension is a global public health issue, affecting more than a billion people worldwide and with a prevalence exceeding 40% in the population over 35 years of age. It is the leading cause of death worldwide and can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

Dr. Manuel de la Peña, President of the European Institute of Health and Welfare and a professor of cardiology, warns that 50% of hypertensive individuals do not receive treatment and only 16% of patients are well-controlled. Moreover, sustained poorly controlled hypertension can cause heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, it is essential to adjust the treatment strategy to achieve optimal blood pressure levels below 130/80 mmHg.

Hypertension is a multifactorial disorder, which can be influenced by genetic factors, lifestyle, and age. With age, the rigidity of arterial walls increases, causing a reduction in the elasticity of blood vessels and resistance to blood flow. In addition, stress, lack of exercise, excessive salt and alcohol consumption, smoking, and poor diet can contribute to the onset and worsening of hypertension.

To reduce blood pressure, it is necessary to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular physical exercise, weight loss in case of obesity, restriction of salt and alcohol consumption, and a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.

In cases of refractory hypertension, Dr. Manuel de la Peña notes that renal denervation is an innovative therapeutic option that can be very effective. This ablation procedure is performed via femoral catheterization, with the aim of interrupting renal sympathetic nerves to achieve good clinical results. Renal denervation can be a good option for patients with poor treatment adherence or high cardiovascular risk.

In conclusion, hypertension is a widespread public health issue, but it is treatable and preventable through the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits and proper control of blood pressure. Knowledge about hypertension and its treatment is essential for preventing cardiovascular diseases and improving the quality of life of hypertensive patients.