Young Single Men Are Oblivious to High Blood Pressure

New Data From The World Congress Of Cardiology

BEIJING, June 19, 2010 - Younger, unmarried men around the world are least likely to be aware of
hypertension (high blood pressure) and less likely to be receiving treatment.
Whereas older women, are most aware of hypertension according to data
presented today at the World Congress of Cardiology (WCC) Scientific Sessions
in Beijing, China.

Interim analysis of ~150,000 participants from 17 countries in the
Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological Study (PURE) also revealed that
awareness rates were similar in urban (57 per cent) and rural areas (54 per
cent) in high-income countries. However, awareness rates were lower in rural
areas (45 per cent) of low-income countries compared with urban areas (56 per
cent).

Treatment rates, as a percent of all with hypertension, followed a
similar pattern with treatment rates in high-income countries being
comparable in both urban (48 per cent) and rural (47 per cent). Again, lower
rates of treatment were seen in rural (23 per cent) areas compared with urban
(38 per cent) in low-income countries. Moreover the results revealed that
those with lower levels of education, were less likely to be receiving
treatment and less likely to have their blood pressure controlled.

"Hypertension is a well recognized major determinant of cardiovascular
disease internationally, yet, in some groups awareness, treatment and control
is poor," said Dr. Clara Chow, assistant professor, McMaster University,
Hamilton, Canada. "The results of this study will hopefully help to identify
people that may benefit from more targeted blood pressure screening and
education to improve identification and management of their condition."

Awareness, treatment and control of hypertension was examined in
population cohorts from urban and rural areas recruited to 41 centers from 17
countries (Canada, Sweden, UAE, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Poland,
Turkey, Malaysia, Iran, South Africa, China, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and
Zimbabwe). Information on CVD risk factors was collected from approximately
154,000 individuals aged 35 to 70 years. Hypertension was defined as
self-report and/or BP greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg. Multivariate
models including age, gender, marital status, education, region, and location
(urban/rural) were used to examine factors associated with awareness,
treatment and control.

About the World Congress of Cardiology

The World Congress of Cardiology Scientific Sessions is the official
congress of the World Heart Federation and is held every two years. Through
the Congress the World Heart Federation offers an international stage for the
latest developments in science and public outreach in the field of
cardiovascular health. The World Congress of Cardiology places emphasis on
the complementary nature of science and public outreach and strives to spread
the message that through individual, community and patient-care
interventions, the growing epidemic of cardiovascular diseases can be
prevented. www.worldcardiocongress.org

About the World Heart Federation

The World Heart Federation is dedicated to leading the global fight
against heart disease and stroke with a focus on low- and middle-income
countries via a united community of more than 200 member organizations. With
its members, the World Heart Federation works to build global commitment to
addressing cardiovascular health at the policy level, generates and exchanges
ideas, shares best practice, advances scientific knowledge and promotes
knowledge transfer to tackle cardiovascular disease - the world's number one
killer. It is a growing membership organization that brings together the
strength of medical societies and heart foundations from more than 100
countries. Through our collective efforts we can help people all over the
world to lead longer and better heart-healthy lives. For more information,
please visit www.worldheart.org

WCC Press Office: +86-134-3696-0068; or wccpress at asia.cmpmedica.com