Treating hypertension can potentially add a decade to a person's life span.

In a significant stride towards enhancing public health, Russia has initiated the National Project 'Long and Active Life' in 2025. The aim is to boost the expected lifespan to 78 years by 2030 and beyond that to 80+.

At the core of this endeavor lies a two-stage process called dispensarization, designed for early detection of Chronic Non-Infectious Diseases (CNIDs), particularly focusing on common oncological diseases and cardiovascular diseases. This process includes preventive medical examinations and screenings, followed by in-depth examinations and consultations with specialized doctors.

Professor-Cardiologist Sergey Boytsov, an Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, emphasizes the two main tasks: preventing the development of hypertension or at least postponing its onset, and diagnosing the disease in time and bringing it under control. This proactive approach allows for a significant increase in life expectancy.

Under this project, over 2.4 million patients have already received free medication, primarily for those who have had strokes, heart attacks, certain heart and artery operations, and other conditions. To undergo a medical examination or a health check-up, one must visit the district polyclinic to which they are attached for receiving medical aid via a compulsory health insurance policy. A passport and the compulsory health insurance policy are required.

For those aged 18-39, a professional examination and full dispensarization program every three years is provided. Starting from 40 years old, annual dispensarization is recommended. If, during a health check-up, cardiovascular or other chronic diseases are detected, the patient is placed under the supervision of a general practitioner, or a cardiologist if necessary.

Since 2012, a modern system for detecting, diagnosing, and monitoring CNIDs has been in place in the country, including cardiovascular diseases, oncological diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and the Russian Foundation for Basic Research have provided equipment to 643 regional vascular centers and supplied free medications to 2.4 million patients for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases during 2020 to 2024.

Chronic high blood pressure, often referred to as the 'silent killer', affects around 40% of adults in Russia, with prevalence increasing from the age of 50 and reaching 80-90% in the elderly (70+). If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to complications such as damage to blood vessels, formation of atherosclerotic plaques, development of ischemic heart disease, chronic heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, kidney failure, and impaired brain function due to insufficient blood supply.

Modern medicine has achieved great success in saving lives and controlling chronic diseases, but an unhealthy lifestyle can accelerate the development of these diseases. Prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases significantly improve chances of healthy longevity. Specialists believe that careful attention to health, regular blood pressure monitoring, timely diagnosis, and therapy for cardiovascular diseases extend healthy and active life.

While maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for avoiding dangerous health issues, the specifics of how to keep healthy were not detailed in the provided information. However, the National Project 'Long and Active Life' provides conditions for everyone to check their health and for patients with serious cardiovascular diseases to receive qualified help.

According to Professor-Cardiologist Sergey Boytsov, the likely increase in life expectancy due to the National Project 'Long and Active Life' is 10 years or more. During 2020-2024, mortality from cardiovascular diseases decreased by 15%. This initiative underscores Russia's commitment to enhancing public health and promoting a longer, healthier, and more active life for its citizens.