Lively debate on new hypertension guidelines
The Norwegian Society of Cardiology opened this year’s autumn meeting with a debate on whether Norway should adopt the European Society of Cardiology’s guidelines for hypertension
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From the Center, Professor Eva Gerdts participated as one of the speakers, alongside Professors Emeritus Sverre Kjeldsen and Jørun Strand, both retired from the University of Oslo. The debate was moderated by Associate Professor Dana Cramariuc from the Center and Associate Professor Rune Mo from NTNU.
Energetic contributions sparked engagement in a packed conference hall at the Radisson Blue Hotel Alna in Oslo. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of hypertension in Norway is 35%. Of these, 70% are diagnosed, only 53% receive treatment, and just 33% are adequately treated. Hypertension accounts for 45% of cardiovascular disease in Norway. It is time to upgrade how the healthcare system detects and treats high blood pressure. The current national guidelines from the Directorate of Health date back to 2017, and a revision is long overdue. Updating these guidelines could lead to significant savings for the healthcare system in the future. It is time for Minister of Health Vestre and the Directorate of Health to take action.