Epidemiology of hypertension

Hypertension is an epidemic affecting one billion people and is the commonest risk factor for death throughout the world. World health statistics 2012 has estimated the prevalence of hypertension to be 29.2% in males and 24.8% in females. Approximately 90 percent for men and women who are non hypertensive at 55 or 65 years will develop hypertension by the age of 80–85. Hypertension is not limited to rich population and affects countries across all income groups. Out of total 58.8 million deaths worldwide in year 2004, high blood pressure was responsible for 12.8% (7.5 million deaths). World over hypertension is responsible for 51% of cerebrovascular disease and 45% of ischemic heart disease deaths. Unlike the popular belief that hypertension is more important for high-income countries, people in low- and middle-income countries have more than double the risk of dying of hypertension.

Understanding epidemiology of hypertension will significantly help in decreasing the burden of associated morbidity and mortality. In America, with the help of programs such as National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP), the awareness about hypertension has improved from 51 percent in the period 1976–1980 to 70 percent in 1999–2000 and as a result hypertension related morbidity and mortality has substantially improved. Since 1972, age-adjusted death rates from stroke have decreased by about 60% and that by coronary heart disease has decreased by about 50 percent. Recent WHO initiative on non communicable diseases is expected to decrease hypertension related mortality and morbidity globally.