Proper treatment for hypertension could avert 76 million deaths globally by 2050, WHO says

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first report on the global impact of high blood pressure, or hypertension, emphasizing it as a major risk factor for death and disability worldwide.
Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults globally, with a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher, often leading to serious health issues like stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney damage.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlights that hypertension can be effectively managed with low-cost medication, but only about one in five people with hypertension have it controlled.
High-performing countries like Canada and South Korea have implemented comprehensive hypertension treatment programs with over 50% blood pressure control in adults, potentially preventing 76 million deaths between 2023 and 2050 if adopted globally.
Preventative measures include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing sodium intake, and implementing policies for sodium reduction, which has been endorsed by WHO but implemented by only 5% of its member countries.
Hypertension imposes significant health and economic burdens globally, making effective hypertension control an important goal for governments worldwide.