Hypertension awareness rises in Indonesia following presenter's stroke

Indonesian presenter Iwet Ramadhan has shared his personal health journey following a stroke in 2023 caused by a ruptured blood vessel. Despite maintaining an active lifestyle through running, cycling, and swimming, Ramadhan emphasized that physical activity does not eliminate stroke risk. He now advocates for strict sleep hygiene, noting he no longer stays up past 10 PM, and regular blood pressure monitoring, as his pressure reached 200 during his medical emergency.

This personal account coincides with broader health concerns regarding hypertension in Indonesia. Data from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) reveals a significant diagnostic gap: while 30.8% of the population aged 18 and older were found to have high blood pressure through field measurements, only 8.6% had received an official medical diagnosis. This leaves over 22% of the population unaware of their hypertensive status.

Health experts and OMRON Healthcare Indonesia are highlighting the importance of routine monitoring to prevent complications such as atrial fibrillation and heart disease. This awareness drive aligns with the upcoming World Heart Day, which focuses on the theme 'Heart Disease Can Hide in Plain Sight: Don’t Miss a Beat' to encourage global recognition of cardiovascular risks.