Raised blood pressure is the most important risk factor in the global burden of disease. 1 Although there is robust evidence to show that lowering blood pressure can substantially reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, 2 the global burden of hypertension is increasing.3, 4 To achieve a reduction in the burden of disease related to hypertension, health systems must ensure that high blood pressure treatment and control rates are achieved. The status of controlled blood pressure is being promoted as a measure of universal health coverage, especially in the context of non-communicable diseases. Achieving universal health coverage is a target of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.5
Blood pressure control: a challenge to global health systems
