HypertensionMeta-analysis
Elevated blood pressure levels among 533 167 adults living in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Systematic review and meta-analysis
- random-effects model
Authors' conclusion
Our findings suggest a steep age-related pattern of increasing BP levels in the region that will adversely affect millions of people within the next 10-20 years without urgent intervention.
Study context
- Population
- Adults living in sub-Saharan Africa (studies published 2010–2021)
- Participants
- 533,167 adults · 170 studies · 26 countries
- Outcome
- Pooled prevalence of hypertension and mean SBP/DBP
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Pooled prevalence of hypertension
30.5% (95% CI 28.4-32.6%)
Overall mean SBP
128 (95% CI 127-129) mmHg
Overall mean DBP
80 (95% CI 79-80) mmHg
Further pooled results
| Outcome | difference (mmHg) (95% CI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Mean BP, males vs females — Males vs Females · systolic | 3.10 (2.30–3.90) | |
| Mean BP, males vs females — Males vs Females · diastolic | 0.69 (0.10–1.29) | |
| −2024Difference, mmHg (linear scale) |
Hypertension prevalence by age
- Aged 21-30
- 10.6% [95% CI 8.2-13.0%]
- Aged 41-50
- 30.9% [95% CI 27.8-34.0%]
- Aged 71-80
- 66.4% (95% CI 64.2-68.7%)
Hypertension prevalence by weight
- Healthy weight
- 28.4% (95% CI 26.1-30.6%)
- Overweight
- 35.8% (95% CI 31.4-40.1%)
Hypertension prevalence by region
- Lowest in Eastern Africa
- 27.2% (95% CI 24.8-29.7%)
Original publication
Elevated blood pressure levels among 533 167 adults living in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Prev Cardiol. Published 14 November 2025. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf706
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it