1Department of General Surgery, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research
2Department of Periodontology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research
3Department of Biochemistry, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research
4Department of Research, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research
5Arulmigu Meenakshi College of Nursing, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research
6Meenakshi College of Physiotherapy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research
Background: Hypertension has been a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, but there are overall differences between the awareness levels, treatment and control between countries with varied income statuses. Knowledge on these inequities should be known in order to develop contextual-based public health initiatives.
Objective: To establish the pattern of hypertension control in low, middle-income, and high-income countries and determine the factors that have led to variation in blood pressure management at population level.
Method: The data used on this comparative analysis were summarised based on national health surveys, WHO STEPS reports and cardiovascular regional registries published between 2010 and 2024. World Bank income stratification took place in countries. The major indicators were prevalence, awareness, treatment rates, medication access and proportion attained by blood pressure control (<140/90 mmHg). The trends were analyzed through pooled estimates and the comparisons within a region.
Results: The control rates showed the highest levels in high-income countries (48-65%), which were supported by more stable primary-care base and possible access to medications. There was a moderate improvement of middle income countries (20-40%) within the last 10 years but continuing regional disparities in adherence and follow-up. There was the lowest level of control (<20%), which was mainly caused by the scarcity of screening programs, shortage of drug and health-system limitations, in low-income countries. The socioeconomic status, urban-rural variations and policy application proved to be some of the strongest predictors of the success of control.
Conclusion: The prevention of hypertension in the world is a mixed up phenomenon, as there is still a lot of variation between income. These gaps can be bridged by strengthening primary care, enhancing access to medication and initiating policies in population-level prevention.
Keywords: Hypertension, global trends, major health challenges in the world, urbanization, comparative analysis.
How to cite this article: Babu KS, Logaranjini A, Anandhi D, Purushothaman I, Kumar EP, Divya S. Global Trends in Hypertension Control: A Comparative Analysis of Low-, Middle- and High-Income Countries. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(10s): 155-161; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.10s.23
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None