A universal change in the definition of high blood pressure will have a global impact on the prevalence of hypertension – especially in low-income countries and young age groups – according to a study published today in the American Heart Association Hypertension. The authors of the study believe that to combat hypertension around the world requires a significant increase in health resources.

Infographics show an increase in the proportion of people out hypertension when applying stricter thresholds the BP was the highest low-income countries: 95.3% for ≥140 / 90 mm Hg. Art. compared with ≥130 / 80 and 203.9% for ≥140 / 90 mm Hg. Art. compared to ≥120 / 70. In contrast, the lowest growth at stricter thresholds was observed in high-income countries: 71.6% for ≥140 / 90 mm Hg. Art. compared with ≥130 / 80 and 167.1% for ≥140 / 90 mm Hg. compared to ≥120 / 70.

The mean age of people with hypertension will be 46.9 years with a threshold of ≥120 / 70 mm Hg. 49.7 years at ≥130 / 80 mm Hg. Art. and 53.8 years at ≥140 / 90 mm Hg.