-Automatic translation

Hypertension (too high blood pressure) remains a significant problem, and according to the World Health Organization, underdiagnosed and under-treated hypertension is one of the biggest health problems today. Similarly, improved diagnosis, more intensive treatment of hypertension, and preventive measures are among the opportunities for better healthcare and health. Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiac, renal and cerebrovascular diseases, and lowering high blood pressure has been shown to prevent all of these diseases: coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, severe arrhythmias, cerebral haemorrhage, dementia and chronic renal failure.

Although the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in Iceland are reasonable, there is room for improvement. It was discussed at a symposium on Læknadagar and subsequently decided to write guidelines on diagnosing and treating hypertension. The instructions are intentionally short, as the aim is to summarise the main points. Reference is also made to the in-depth discussion of many respected international parties and a discussion that has dealt with different proposals and has reviewed other priorities and issues of dispute.

A team of experts wrote the instructions, and the Medical Director of Health is very grateful to them. They are:

• Emil Lárus Sigurðsson

• Karl Andersen

• Margrét Ólafía Tómasdóttir

• Þórdís Jóna Hrafnkelsdóttir

• Vilmundur Guðnason

• Guðmundur Þorgeirsson

The Medical Director of Health encourages physicians to familiarise themselves with the guidelines and use them as a guide in diagnosing and treating hypertension.

Alma D. Möller, Medical Director of Health

More information:
Kjartan Hreinn Njálsson, assistant to the Medical Director of Health