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Hypertension in Developing Countries: A Major Challenge for the Future

Current Hypertension Reports volume 20, Article number: 38 (2018) Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Outline recent epidemiologic data regarding hypertension in developing countries, distinguish differences from developed countries, and identify challenges in management and future perspectives.

Recent Findings

Increased sugar intake, air and noise pollution, and low birth weight are emerging hypertension risk factors. The major challenges in management are difficulties in accurate diagnosis of hypertension and adequate blood pressure control.

Summary

In contrast to developed countries, hypertension prevalence rates are on the rise in developing countries with no improvement in awareness or control rates. The increasing burden of hypertension is largely attributable to behavioral factors, urbanization, unhealthy diet, obesity, social stress, and inactivity. Health authorities, medical societies, and drug industry can collaborate to improve hypertension control through education programs, public awareness campaigns, legislation to limit salt intake, encourage generic drugs, development and dissemination of national guidelines, and involving nurses and pharmacists in hypertension management. More epidemiologic data are needed in the future to identify reasons behind increased prevalence and poor blood pressure control and examine trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control. National programs for better hypertension control based on local culture, economic characteristics, and available resources in the population are needed. The role of new tools for hypertension management should be tested in developing world.

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Acknowledgments

I thank my secretaries Mrs. Rehab M El-Ashkar and Mrs. Nesma M El-Ashkar for their excellent secretarial work and their help in the preparation of the manuscript.

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  1. Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, 1 El-Sherifein Street, Abdeen, Cairo, 11111, Egypt

    M Mohsen Ibrahim

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Mohsen Ibrahim, M. Hypertension in Developing Countries: A Major Challenge for the Future. Curr Hypertens Rep 20, 38 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-018-0839-1

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Keywords

  • Developing countries
  • Blood pressure control
  • Guidelines
  • Drug adherence
  • Risk factors