Lower threshold for high blood pressure impacts prevention and health care globally

Lower threshold for high blood pressure impacts prevention and health care globally

Lower threshold for high blood pressure impacts prevention and health care globally

Changing the definition of high blood pressure universally would have a global impact on the prevalence of hypertension—particularly in lower income countries and in younger age groups—according to a study published today in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension. The study’s authors suggest substantial increases in health-care resources are required to tackle hypertension globally.

The infographic shows the increase in the proportion of people with hypertension when applying stricter BP thresholds was highest in low-income countries: 95.3% for ≥140/90 mmHg compared to ≥130/80, and 203.9% for ≥140/90 mmHg compared to ≥120/70. In contrast, the lowest increases with stricter thresholds were seen in high-income countries: 71.6% for ≥140/90 mmHg compared to ≥130/80, and 167.1% for ≥140/90 mmHg compared to ≥120/70.

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