Vancouver, September 28, 2008 - To mark World Heart Day, the results of the largest ever international heart health survey, 'Do You Know Your Numbers?' were released today. The findings show that many adults are confused about their blood pressure, which undermines a more positive approach to their heart health. One in three adults, an estimated 424 million people worldwide are unaware of what healthy blood pressure levels should be and one in three of the adults surveyed are at risk from heart disease yet only one in ten are concerned about their heart health. This comes at a time when cardiovascular disease, the world's number one cause of death is endemic worldwide and no longer limited to economically developed countries.

The survey was cosponsored by the World Hypertension League and Novartis and is the largest-ever public study of its kind. It was designed to capture the level of knowledge among adults in 15 countries about their general heart health, including their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol values.

"By focusing public attention on the benefits of controlling high blood pressure, as well as cholesterol and diabetes, we want to help people better protect themselves and their hearts," said Arun Chockalingam, Secretary General of the World Hypertension League. "Together with Novartis, we hope that people will mark World Heart Day by learning more about heart health and will make blood pressure monitoring part of their general health management."

Psychologist and author, Dr David Lewis reaffirms the confusion found in the survey findings as very common with chronic diseases like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. "Because high blood pressure often has no symptoms, too many people become apathetic about the condition. A key to taking positive action is to think about the health benefits for a family and involve family members. These results highlight the need for families to encourage their loved ones to take the necessary steps to monitor and control their blood pressure levels."

The survey has shown that adults are not familiar with the importance of the three key heart health measures for overall heart health- blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. With almost three in five adults not knowing what normal blood sugar and cholesterol levels should be, there is a critical need for better education to assist with monitoring these important heart health numbers.

Often having no noticeable symptoms, high blood pressure is known as the 'silent killer' and affects one in four adults, or nearly one billion people globally. Despite the lack of symptoms, high blood pressure's daily impact on the body can lead to life-altering complications.

Release of the Do You Know Your Numbers? survey results coincides with World Heart Day, which is being marked by heart health screening and other public events in over one hundred countries worldwide. World Heart Day activities are intended for individuals, families and anybody interested in learning more about promoting heart health.

The World Hypertension League (WHL) is a federation of leagues, societies, and other national bodies devoted to promote the detection, control and prevention of arterial hypertension in populations.. Individual membership is not possible. The thrust of the WHL's action is in liaison with the member organizations, promoting the exchange of information among them, and offering internationally applicable methods and programs for hypertension control. Bringing together and stimulating organizations committed to the control of hypertension is the goal and raison d'etre of the WHL. The WHL is a division of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH), and is in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO).

For information about the World Hypertension League, contact your national hypertension society or visit the website

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