Problem of

Abstract

Hypertension is a common health problem in Egypt. It has a high prevalence, whereas its rates of awareness, treatment and control are low. In 60% of patients, hypertension is complicated by the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors, this adds to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Management of hypertension in Egypt is not easy because of treatment costs- a common cause of interruption of therapy-, inadequate physician training and inefficient primary health care system. Measures to improve blood pressure control include better physicians education and a viable health care system. Development of national hypertension guidelines and their implementation is essential in physician education programs. Consideration is given in guidelines to the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in poor resource sitting: a higher threshold for diagnosis and initiation of pharmacological treatment is recommended, while priority in drug therapy is given to less expensive medication.

Keywords

• Hypertension
• Developing countries
• Risk factors