[Epidemiologic overview of arterial hypertension in Mexico]

We reviewed the literature on the epidemiology of hypertension in Mexico. We consider it necessary to restate the basic concepts on hypertension and its epidemiology to understand better its relevance and impact on the development and productivity of a country. With this in mind, we analyzed the epidemiological variables that might lead to more precise and reliable recordings of this alteration. We compared statistical data obtained in 1950 with those more recently published in Mexico as well as in the USA, which allowed us to elucidate why hypertension is considered a Public Health problem not only in our country but worldwide.