Uncontrolled high blood pressure has put over a billion people at risk globally, says WHO

A report by the World Health Organization has revealed that uncontrolled hypertension has put many people at risk across the globe.

The report released by WHO in collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies and Resolve to Save Lives during the 80^th United Nations General Assembly has shown that 1.4 billion people lived with hypertension in 2024, yet just over one in five have it under control either through medication or addressing modifiable health risks.

The report further notes that only 28 per cent of low-income countries report that all WHO-recommended hypertension medicines are generally available in pharmacies or primary care facilities.

Speaking during the launch, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General, said that political goodwill and commitment from countries would help fight the ravages of hypertension.

He said, “Every hour, over 1000 lives are lost to strokes and heart attacks from high blood pressure, and most of these deaths are preventable. Countries have the tools to change this narrative. With political will, ongoing investment and reforms to embed hypertension control in health services, we can save millions and ensure universal health coverage for all."

According to the WHO, hypertension is the leading cause of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease and dementia, albeit preventable and treatable. However, the report says, without urgent action, millions of people will continue to die prematurely and countries will face mounting economic losses.

“Uncontrolled high blood pressure claims more than 10 million lives every year, despite being both preventable and treatable. Countries that integrate hypertension care into universal health coverage and primary care are making real progress, but too many low- and middle-income countries are still left behind,” said Dr Kelly Henning, who leads the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Health Program.

She called for strong policies that raise awareness and expand access to treatment since they are critical to reducing cardiovascular disease and preventable deaths.

The WHO report has highlighted major gaps in hypertension prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care.

Some of the key barriers noted include; weak health promotion policies (on risk factors such as alcohol, tobacco use, physical inactivity, salt and trans fats), limited access to validated blood pressure devices, lack of standardised treatment protocols and trained primary care teams, unreliable supply chains and costly medicines, inadequate financial protection for patients and insufficient information systems to monitor trends.

The report explores the barriers and strategies for improving access to hypertension medication through better regulatory systems, pricing and reimbursement, procurement and supply chain management and improved prescribing and dispensing of these medicines.

“Safe, effective, low-cost medicines to control blood pressure exist, but far too many people can’t get them,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President & CEO, Resolve to Save Lives.

“Closing that gap will save lives — and save billions of dollars every year.”

From 2011 to 2025, cardiovascular diseases–including hypertension are projected to cost low- and middle-income countries approximately US$ 3.7 trillion, equivalent to around 2% of their combined GDP.