A recent analysis of health data from over 5 million residents in Ho Chi Minh City has revealed concerning statistics regarding hypertension and other health issues among the population. According to the Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, Tang Chi Thuong, nearly 7% of adults aged 18 to under 60 are affected by hypertension, highlighting a significant health concern in this age group.

The health assessments, which have been ongoing since the launch of an electronic health record program in May, have recorded over 6 million health check-ups. Among individuals over 40 years old, approximately 31% are at high or very high risk for cardiovascular diseases. The data indicates that nearly 15% of this demographic faces high risk, while 16% are categorized as very high risk for heart-related conditions.

In addition to hypertension, the analysis also revealed that over 6% of the population may have chronic kidney disease, with more than 12% identified as having risk factors for the condition. Among adults who have never been diagnosed with diabetes, nearly 20% exhibit pre-diabetic blood sugar levels, and 11% are at risk of developing diabetes.

For individuals aged 60 and above, health issues are even more pronounced, with over 16% suffering from hypertension, while diabetes and cataracts affect around 5.5% of this age group. The findings suggest that non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular issues, hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood sugar levels are prevalent in the community.

These statistics are intended to aid in the early monitoring and management of health issues, as well as to support preventive measures. The health department aims to provide free health screenings to 100% of residents, including temporary residents, by 2026. This initiative marks a significant step towards utilizing health data to proactively identify risks and enhance public health management in Ho Chi Minh City.