30 Year History of Hypertension

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a killer and is highly dangerous. It can ultimately lead to heart failure, chronic kidney disease, stroke and other major vascular issues. It is a primary ‘marker’ for heart disease. 

Hypertension definition: >140 systolic and >90 diastolic (note: this has now been reduced to 130/80). 

Hypertension in USA: overall highest rates in Black population, lowest in Asian peoples. In the USA, over 350,000 people have hypertension. 

Control of hypertension (medications): Control of hypertension is POOR. Across all ethnic groups, and globally, less than 50% of hypertension is controlled through treatment. 

• White 51% 

• Black 45% 

• Hispanic 45% 

• Asian 37% 

Global hypertension numbers in age range 30-79 years, doubled from 1990 to 2019. 

• 1990: 650 million people 

• 2019: 1.28 billion people 

The number of people with hypertension dropped in high-income countries and increased in low to middle-income countries.  

Hypertension between women and men – hypertension is not treated seriously enough.. 

• Undiagnosed: 41% of women, 51% of men. 

• Untreated: 53% of women, 62% of men. 

Improved treatment: treatment is improved through, 

• telemonitoring (telehealth) 

• text reminders from GPs for medication renewals and adherence 

• combination therapy – all hypertension drugs in a single pill. 

Source: a meta-study that involved 104 million people in 184 countries.