In France, 17 million people suffer from high blood pressure (HBP), and 1.6 million French people begin treatment each year. Whether considered a disease or simply a risk factor, it is the most common chronic condition in France and one of the leading causes of cardiovascular complications (heart attack, stroke), renal complications (kidney failure), or cognitive complications (dementia, etc.), due to the frequent absence of symptoms. In 2019, HTN was the leading risk factor for mortality, ahead of tobacco, and the second leading risk factor for years of healthy life lost. However, regular blood pressure measurement (at least once a year) enables early detection of the disease. Despite the proven benefits of prevention, screening, and management of hypertension, indicators of prevalence, screening, and control have not improved since 2006, unlike in many other countries.

A Decline in Screening and Management of Hypertension During the Health Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the number of patients starting antihypertensive treatment in 2020, likely due to reduced healthcare utilization among the population during this period and, consequently, a decline in screening. The decline in the initiation of antihypertensive treatment was more pronounced among women, and by 2021, they had not returned to the pre-health crisis level of treatment initiation.

A very high prevalence of hypertension in the French overseas departments and regions (DROM), particularly among women

The results of the 2021 Public Health France Barometer survey conducted among the population of the four overseas departments and regions (DROM) revealed a higher prevalence of reported hypertension in the DROM than in mainland France, particularly in Martinique (31.5%) and Guadeloupe (29.39%), and higher among women than among men.

The proportion of adults self-reporting hypertension who were treated with antihypertensive medication did not vary by region or by sex and exceeded 80%, as in mainland France. Between 65% and 73% of adults with hypertension reported having received advice on lifestyle changes in the DROMs, compared to 58.5% in mainland France. In French Guiana, 51.5% of hypertensive patients owned a home blood pressure monitor, compared to 53.8% in Réunion and over 70% in Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Preventing the risk of high blood pressure by adopting healthy habits from an early age

Before the onset of the disease, adopting healthy habits—including a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limited salt and alcohol intake, regular physical activity, and weight management—can help limit the rise in blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension.

Regular blood pressure checks (at least once a year) are also an important preventive measure for early detection of the condition.

For people with hypertension, adopting healthy lifestyle and dietary habits helps control blood pressure. Pharmacological or interventional treatments may also be prescribed to lower blood pressure below the threshold of 140/90 mmHg. Controlling blood pressure in this way helps limit the risk of complications in patients, thereby extending life expectancy and improving the quality of life for those with hypertension.