HypertensionMeta-analysis
Global Hypertension 2000 to 2020
- Systematic review and pooled analysis of population-based cross-sectional surveys
Authors' conclusion
The burden of hypertension is increasing, as are disparities between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries.
Study context
- Population
- Adults in population-based cross-sectional surveys with standardized BP measurement, 2000–2020
- Participants
- 6,060,567 adults · 287 studies · 119 countries
- Comparison
- High-income vs low- and middle-income countries
- Outcome
- Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control (SBP ≥140 mm Hg, DBP ≥90 mm Hg or antihypertensive medication)
- Follow-up
- 2000 to 2020
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Hypertension prevalence · 2020
| Group | Value | Number with hypertension |
|---|---|---|
| High-income countries | 30.1% (95% CI 29.4%–30.9%) | 395 (95% CI: 394-396) million |
| Low- and middle-income countries | 33.4% (95% CI 32.8%–33.9%) | 1.32 (95% CI: 1.26-1.38) billion |
- Worldwide prevalence
- 33.0% (95% CI: 32.5%-33.5%)
- Worldwide number with hypertension
- 1.71 (95% CI: 1.65-1.77) billion
Further pooled results
| Outcome | High-income countries | Low- and middle-income countries |
|---|---|---|
| Change in age-standardized prevalence and absolute burden · 2000 to 2020 | ||
| Prevalence change | decreased by 2.7% | increased by 5.8% |
| Absolute burden change | increased by 76 million | increased by 651 million |
| Awareness, treatment and control · 2000 to 2020 | ||
| Awareness | 57.7% to 69.2% | 29.1% to 46.1% |
| Treatment | 42.9% to 66.3% | 20.7% to 30.8% |
| Control | 16.4% to 40.2% | 6.4% to 13.6% |
Original publication
Global Hypertension 2000 to 2020. J Am Coll Cardiol. Published 25 March 2026. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2025.12.091
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it