Overview of the Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in Saudi Arabia: Systematic review

Abstract

Hypertension is an important public-health challenge worldwide and a major risk factor leading to stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, renal failure, and ultimately death. Socioeconomic and demographic transitions occurring in many developing countries have contributed to the burden of hypertension. Prevalence of this condition is frequently underreported because of its often-silent nature. Population-based studies that explore the occurrence and correlates of these conditions are scarce in Saudi Arabia. Hypertension, along with pre-hypertension and other hazardously high blood pressure, is responsible for 8·5 million deaths from stroke, ischaemic heart disease, other vascular diseases, and renal disease worldwide. Hypertension can be detected in the community and primary care facilities, and several effective drugs are available at fairly low cost for treating patients with hypertension and reducing the risk of its sequelae. Improving the effective coverage of treatment for patients with hypertension is an objective of many global, regional, and national initiatives, and programmes.