Trends in the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension: the WHO MONICA Project.

ObjectiveTo describe the secular changes in the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension.DesignTwo independent cross-sectional population surveys using standardized methods conducted between the early 1980s and mid-1990s.SettingTwenty-four geographically defined populations of the WHO MONICA Project.ParticipantsRandomly selected men and women aged 35–64 years. The total number of participants was 69 907.Main outcome measuresTwo definitions of hypertension were used: 160/95 mmHg or above and 140/90 mmHg or above for systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Subjects on antihypertensive drug treatment were considered to be hypertensive regardless of their blood pressure. Treated subjects whose measured blood pressure level was less than 160/95 or 140/90 mmHg according to the two definitions, respectively, were considered to be adequately treated.ResultsThe age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension decreased in most and increased in only a few populations. For both definitions of hypertension, ...