Hypertension in the developing world: Epidemiologic transition and health statistics in developing countries

Abstract

Hypertension is a major global chronic noncommunicable disease (NCD). Due to epidemiologic shifts, the absolute numbers of patients affected by hypertension in low- and middleincome countries are likely to grow, as increased globalization and economic improvement lead to urbanization and longer life expectancy. Increasing longevity provides longer periods of exposure to the risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD), resulting in a greater probability of clinically manifesting CVD events. Compounding this high burden of hypertension is a lack of awareness and insufficient treatment in those with hypertension. Additionally, survivors of an economic transition period are more likely to present the phenotype of lower birth weight coupled with either stunting or a higher body mass index in childhood or adulthood, which appears to be associated with the highest risks of morbid cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic outcomes into adulthood. The combination of population-wide and individual interventions may save millions of lives and considerably reduce human suffering from NCDs.