Hypertension

Elevated blood pressure increases the risk of a stroke, heart attack, heart dysfunction and kidney dysfunction. With correct treatment these risks can be significantly reduced.

Roughly every other Finnish man age 35 - 64 and every third woman of same age has a blood pressure level of over 140/90 mmhg, at least in a single measurement. Only half of them are aware of their high blood pressure levels. Of those who are aware, one third uses blood pressure medication. Only 20 - 25 per cent of the people who use medication have blood pressure levels of under 140/90 mmhg. According to Käypä hoito – recommendations this situation is due to generally high blood pressure of Finnish people, inadequate control over dangerous elements of high blood pressure, the relatively late commencement of treatment, and ineffective implementation of medical treatment.

These problems can be significantly eased based on the information gathered using 24-hour blood pressure monitoring.

Reasons for 24-hour monitoring >
Comments on the ABPM >