A recent study indicted that 50% people are not aware of the fact that they are suffering from high BP whereas more than half of people diagnosed with high blood pressure do not have it under control. Untreated High blood pressure can cause a range of problems, including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), stroke and heart failure.

During study, 1,604 people underwent a medical examination, including blood pressure (BP) check-up and answered a lifestyle and health questionnaire. The study subjects belonged to three geographical areas – south west London in the UK, Limburg in Belgium and Abruzzo in Italy.

Data analysis showed that 24% of participants had high blood pressure and 56% of study subjects were not aware of their condition. Less than half of study subjects who were aware of the condition had it under control.

Lead researcher, Prof Franco Cappuccio of the University of Warwick said, “Our results show that high blood pressure is a looming problem for Europe.”

He added that looking at the differences between regions, researchers found the British participants had lower BP overall and better control than the Italians and Belgians.