4 Ss for Successful BP Control

Abstract

High blood pressure (BP) is the greatest single reversible cause of death and disability worldwide (1,2). Historically, a problem of higher-income countries, over the last 4 decades lower and middle-income countries have witnessed the largest increase in hypertension prevalence. (1) The scientific evidence is undisputed – pharmacological lowering of BP significantly reduces cardiovascular events by 20 - 60%. (3,4) However, despite the global availability of cheap, safe and effective antihypertensive medications, half of those with hypertension remain unaware of their condition, and, of those who are aware, only half receive effective treatment. (5) Whilst there are variations in the identification, treatment and control of high BP across the world, what is striking is that in every region, a large proportion of people with raised BP do not reach targets. (5)