Antara, Jakarta – The Indonesian Health Ministry recorded a decline in the prevalence of hypertension, or high blood pressure, in the country by 2023. Based on doctor's diagnoses, the rate fell from 8.4 percent in 2018 to 8 percent in 2023.

Meanwhile, based on blood pressure diagnoses, it was recorded at 34.1 percent in 2018 and fell to 30.8 percent in 2023.

The research and surveys were conducted every five years, measuring people over the age of 18. The data was noted in the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research (Riskesdas), which was updated in the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey.

"Screening or early detection is the right way to find hypertension survivors early. If they are found early, hypertension can be controlled," said Dr. Eva Susanti, the Director of Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health.

The government is taking various measures to reduce the prevalence of hypertension, including by providing health services, intensifying early detection, massively educating the public about hypertension, and increasing access and quality of health services.

The Health Ministry also appealed to the public to reduce the consumption of salt and oily and fatty foods, exercise regularly, get enough rest, manage stress well, consume a healthy diet, avoid cigarettes and alcohol, check the body's health regularly, and follow the doctor's recommendation.

People having problems with high blood pressure can contact the Health Ministry's hotline, Halo Kemenkes, by calling 500-567, sending an SMS to 081281562620, or emailing Kontak@depkes.go.id.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1871698/indonesias-prevalence-of-hypertension-declines-says-health-ministr