Global trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for premature death and disability globally. Despite availability of effective treatment, prevention, and control of high blood pressure remain suboptimal worldwide. This review examines trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control and highlights evidence-based strategies to improve hypertension care.

RECENT FINDINGS: Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control remain inadequate globally. Recent evidence suggests that universal healthcare facility-based screening, increased accessibility and affordability of fixed-dose combination therapies, and team-based care approaches can improve the management of hypertension along the care cascade.

SUMMARY: To prevent death and disability globally, the implementation of evidence-based strategies and policy recommendations targeting the multifactorial barriers to hypertension management and control is essential.