The Global Health Observatory

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Blood pressure/hypertension

Data type:
Percent
Rationale:
Worldwide, raised blood pressure is estimated to cause 7.5 million deaths, about 12.8% of the total of all deaths. This accounts for 57 million disability adjusted life years (DALYS) or 3.7% of total DALYS. Raised blood pressure is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and ischemic as well as hemorrhagic stroke. Globally, the overall prevalence of raised blood pressure in those aged 25 and over was 40% in 2008. Stage 1/Grade 1 hypertension is defined in a clinical setting when the mean blood pressure is equal to or above 140/90 and less than 160/100 on two or more measurements on each of two or more visits on separate days. Treating systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure to targets that are less than 140/90 is associated with a decrease in cardiovascular complications.
Definition:
Age-standardized prevalence of raised blood pressure among persons aged 18+ years (defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg)
Disaggregation:
Sex, Age
Method of estimation:
-
Preferred data sources:
National survey with measurement
Contact person email:
nhp@wpro.who.int
Name:
Noncommunicable disease and Health Promotion (NHP) unit
Links:
Report of the Formal Meeting of Member States to conclude the work on the comprehensive global monitoring framework, including indicators, and a set of voluntary global targets for the prevention and control of communicable diseases || http://apps.who.int/gb/NCDs/pdf/A_NCD_2-en.pdf
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