BRASILIA More than half of Brazilians over 55 suffer from high blood pressure, according to a major new national health survey."This data shows how high blood pressure has become a main health issue in this new Brazil, which has more elderly and obese people than before," says Brazil's Minister of Health Alexandre Padilha.

High blood pressure, also referred to as "hypertension," leads to a greater risk of heart attack, kidney problems and stroke, main causes of death in Brazil.

High blood pressure is a problem for 5.4% of 18-to-24-year-old population, 50.5% of 55 to 64 years old and 59.7% of over 65 year old. Among all ages, 22.7% have high blood pressure, slightly below the 2010 rate of 23.3%.

Women in all age groups have more problems of high blood pressure. Less-educated people are also more likely to suffer from the condition, with some 35% of women who went to school for fewer than eight years with high blood pressure – more than twice (14.2%) of those with 12 years or more of education.

The Ministery of Health has launched several initiatives to lower the high blood pressure rates among the population, including an agreement with food companies to reduce the amount of sodium in their products. "By 2014, we want less than 4,000 tons of sodium in industrialized goods," says Padilha.

According to Luiz Bortolotto, a cardiologist at the Heart Institute of Sao Paulo, even those being treated for hypertension treatment consume excessive amounts of salt in their daily meals. Bread and ready-made seasoning are the main sources of sodium in the current Brazilian diet.

Bortolotto's advice for reducing the daily consuption of salt? Read your labels.

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Photo - Adam Jones