Prevalence, awareness and adherence to treatment of arterial hypertension: myths and reality

Abstract

This review analyzes and summarizes the results of major epidemiological studies aimed at assessing the prevalence of arterial hypertension, one of the most significant cardiovascular risk factors according to the socioeconomic factors (the ESSE study, the PURE study). Comparative characteristics of both the prevalence of arterial hypertension and the level of awareness among the population about the presence of arterial hypertension, adherence to treatment and control of blood pressure among residents of countries with different socio-economic levels are given. We concluded that despite the implementation of preventive measures, the gap between the diagnosis of arterial hypertension, the subsequent control of blood pressure and adherence to treatment in most countries remains rather large. This indicates the need for a more thorough analysis of possible causes and the development of new preventive measures.

Keywords

• arterial hypertension
• prevalence
• awareness
• control
• blood pressure
• risk factors
• primary prevention
• secondary prevention