Havana, Apr 8 (IANS): Over 25 percent of Cubans suffer from high blood pressure and the number is increasing, especially among the young, the health ministry said.
The data released by the ministry Sunday showed that more than 2.8 million Cubans, out of a total population of 11.2 million, are afflicted with the condition.
A recent research among children and teenagers shows a growing incidence of high blood pressure among these groups, basically among children who are obese or whose parents have the disease, reported Xinhua.
Hypertension is considered the leading cause of emergency room care in the island
country, and an important risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, heart strokes, renal inadequacy and retinal disorders.
Hypertension is the main cause of disabilities in Cuba, and the health problem that puts the most financial burden on the national healthcare system.