Calling it a coming tsunami, Hypertension Canada says up to half of Canadian baby boomers have high blood pressure or will develop it within the next few years. The boomers are that very large group of people born during and after World War II who are reaching an age where hypertension increases.
Beyond their age, their lifestyle increases their risk for hypertension. They tend to not get enough exercise, gain weight and, in the view of Dr. Ross Feldman, past president of Hypertension Canada, they are “being held hostage” to the food industry which adds too much salt to its products.
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels and is a leading contributor to heart and kidney disease as well as stroke. Particularly at risk for high blood pressure are aboriginal people and Canadians of South East Asian or Black ancestry.
Dr. Ross Feldman, past president of Hypertension Canada tells RCI’s Lynn Desjardins why so many Canadians are developing high blood pressure.
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