By the end of 2025, Panama's Social Security Fund (Caja de Seguro Social - CSS) recorded 95,098 patients with arterial hypertension nationwide, with more than half being women. According to the CSS, the Dr. José Joaquín Vallarino Polyclinic, located in Juan Díaz, reported 8,639 patients, making it the CSS facility with the highest number of diagnoses. It is followed by the Dr. Carlos N. Brin Polyclinic in San Francisco with 4,279 patients, and the Manuel María Valdés Polyclinic in San Miguelito, which attended to 3,616 patients. Regarding this situation, Dr. Ángela Tulipano López, national head of the CSS's Adult Health Program, explained that over 60% of hypertension cases correspond to women over 60, an age group with a higher risk of suffering serious complications. In addition to hypertension, diagnoses of diabetes and cerebrovascular diseases have been on the rise, representing a growing challenge for the country's health system, the institution specified. Of the 95,098 hypertension patients, 58,964 are women, while 37,134 cases were recorded in men, which shows a greater prevalence in the female population. “When a person detects high blood pressure levels, they must immediately see a doctor to receive proper treatment and prevent complications,” she reiterated. Tulipano indicated that hypertension has a genetic basis in many cases, but it is also closely related to unhealthy lifestyles, such as sedentary lifestyles and excessive consumption of foods high in salt and fats. “In this age range, the probability of developing stroke, cerebrovascular diseases, acute myocardial infarction, or kidney disease increases, which are the main complications that affect the patient's quality of life,” the specialist pointed out. Likewise, she warned that this disease is known as the 'silent enemy,' as it does not present symptoms in its initial stages, so many people are unaware they have it. Finally, the specialist highlighted that the CSS's goal, in coordination with the Ministry of Health (Minsa), is to identify hypertensive people early on, in order to provide them with timely treatment and reduce the complications associated with this chronic disease.
Panama's Hypertension Cases Surge: Over 95,000 Patients
Panama reports a significant increase in hypertension cases, with the Social Security Fund recording over 95,000 patients, mostly women. Experts stress the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe complications.
