High blood pressure set to become a major problem as nation ages

Financial hardship

When Anderson arrived in China 15 years ago, he realized that about 20 percent of stroke patients experienced "financial hardship", meaning they had to sell personal items and borrow money to pay medical bills.

"Now, the government has introduced the health insurance program, which is very important for supporting people during a crisis so they can enjoy good healthcare, recover, and return to work and their normal lives without suffering a financial crisis," he said.

Despite that, long-term hypertension and the complications it brings will still cause serious problems for families and the economy.

The WHO estimates that major noncommunicable diseases will result in a loss of approximately $500 billion annually from 2011 to 2025 - equal to about 4 percent of the combined GDP of low-and middle-income countries - and cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, will account for nearly half of that figure.

In 2012, the cost of treating chronic noncommunicable diseases in China, which resulted in 80 percent of deaths among elderly people, accounted for 70 percent of the total spent on treating illnesses. As a result of the country's rapidly aging population, the figure is expected to rise by at least 40 percent in 2030.

In its 2013 report, the WHO said national health information surveillance systems must be strengthened to monitor the impact of government measures designed to prevent and control high blood pressure and reduce the risk of premature death and economic loss.

In addition, people should adopt healthier lifestyles and diets by eating more fruit and vegetables, while cutting out smoking and excessive drinking, and reducing their salt intake.

Anderson said it is crucial to ensure that those in need receive treatment and counselling, especially patients in rural areas who may be at greater risk as a result of poor access to preventative measures and treatment.

However, despite the challenges posed by the rapidly aging population and increasingly unhealthy modern lifestyles, he believes that there are reasons for optimism.

"One of the great things in China is that you can change things so quickly. You have a very efficient way of formulating measures and turning them into policy," he said.