The Macau Association of Cardiovascular Interventions held its annual forum this weekend, where President Dr. Tang Sek Wai highlighted a concerning trend: despite a general decline in cardiovascular mortality, there has been a rise in younger patients presenting with high blood pressure and other related risk factors.
Dr. Tang attributed the shift to lifestyle changes, work stress, and social pressures. While treatment advancements and increased awareness have helped reduce cardiovascular deaths, hypertension and obesity are now affecting younger individuals, which could place greater strain on the city’s healthcare system in the future.
A local survey on hypertension has revealed an alarming increase in blood pressure levels among people in their twenties. In Dr. Tang’s clinic alone, around 15% of over 3,000 patients in recent years were in their thirties, suffering from high blood lipids and hypertension.
Dr. Tang emphasized the importance of early intervention and improving public awareness, noting that many people are unaware they have high blood pressure and may not know the healthy range for blood pressure. The association is urging the government and healthcare providers to enhance educational efforts and encourage regular blood pressure monitoring.
“Don’t wait for a stroke or heart attack to act,” Dr. Tang advised. “With early detection and proper treatment, blood pressure can be managed, and long-term complications can be avoided.”
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